Marjan Cvetkovski appointed to lead Skopje 2028 cultural foundation amid criminal probe

The Macedonian Assembly began deliberating a bill to create the "European Capital of Culture – Skopje 2028" project, which includes establishing a new foundation. Before the foundation is legally formed, Skopje mayor Orce Gjorgjievski appointed former Macedonian Radio Television (MRT) director Marjan Cvetkovski as its head. The appointment raises questions about legal authority, as the foundation’s board cannot exist until the law creates the entity.

Cvetkovski’s tenure at MRT was marked by financial irregularities. In 2019 the Financial Police filed a criminal complaint alleging misuse of public office, including a €2.5 million loan secured by MRT property without parliamentary consent, causing an estimated loss of 154 million denars. Audit reports repeatedly highlighted high debt and delayed investments under his management. Now he is set to oversee a project budget exceeding €20 million in public funds, prompting criticism over transparency and procurement rules.