North Macedonia anti-corruption probe targets independence day funding

The State Commission for Prevention of Corruption in North Macedonia has launched an investigation into the financing of the country’s 35th independence anniversary celebrations. The probe, initiated on the commission’s own accord, focuses on funds provided by the State Lottery to organize the festivities.

A central point of the investigation is the role of the company Stardust, which received the funds to organize the events, including a performance by DJ David Guetta. Concerns have been raised regarding a potential conflict of interest involving Nikolče Micevski, the chairman of the external commission responsible for evaluating the event program. Micevski reportedly later participated in the program as an orchestrator for a performance by José Carreras.

The opposition has called for transparency, noting a lack of official documentation regarding how funds were allocated among performers. Organizers previously stated that specific payment details would remain confidential due to non-disclosure clauses in contracts between Stardust and the international artists.