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North Macedonia faces political dispute over economic data and event funding
North Macedonia is facing political tension regarding economic indicators and the funding of the nation's 35th independence anniversary celebrations. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski reported that foreign direct investment has reached approximately 1.4 billion euros over the last 24.5 months, nearly doubling the 750 million euros recorded during the first two years of the previous administration.
However, opposition leaders from SDSM have challenged these claims, accusing the government of increasing public debt by roughly 4 billion euros in two years. They further allege that the independence celebrations, which featured international artists like David Guetta, were funded by approximately 5 million euros (300 million denars) from the State Lottery's undistributed profits rather than the state budget.
Government spokesperson Marija Miteva and State Lottery Director Aleksandar Klimovski defended the spending, stating that the funds came from the lottery's own profits and not direct budget allocations. They clarified that because the lottery is a 100% state-owned entity, the funds are considered public money but are managed under different legal procedures than the central budget. The opposition continues to demand full transparency regarding the selection of contractors and the use of these funds.
Entities
Alexander Klimovski · Avalon · Government of North Macedonia · Hristijan Mickoski · LSDM · Maria Miteva · Marija Miteva · North Macedonia · SDSМ · State Lottery · State Lottery of North Macedonia · VMRO-DPMNE
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The State Lottery, which is 100 percent state-owned, was tasked with organizing the program. libertas.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The government entrusted the organization of the celebration to the State Lottery on April 28.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The independence celebrations cost approximately 5 million euros. libertas.mk
- [DISPUTED] Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski previously claimed the events cost citizens zero denars. libertas.mk
- [DISPUTED] Venko Filipče accused the government of misusing funds for the 35th independence anniversary celebrations. libertas.mk
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The bid deadline for the event organization was five working days.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The program included performances by artists such as David Guetta and Jose Carreras.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A public call for bids was issued two days after the government decision using the Law on Sponsorships and Donations rather than the public procurement system.