North Macedonia's ESМ appeal could revive 167‑million‑euro mazut procurement scandal

The Special Prosecutor’s Office (ESМ) has lodged an appeal to the Higher Public Prosecutor, creating a legal basis to re‑examine the decision that halted the investigation into the €167 million purchase of mazut (heavy fuel oil) for the Negotino thermal power plant. The appeal alleges that prosecutors Kolareviḱ and Abazi carried out a politically motivated operation to protect individuals close to the SDSM and DUI parties, selectively valuing evidence and disregarding key facts, including the testimony of Vasko Kovachevski. VMRO‑DPMNE’s communication describes the appeal as proof of unprofessional conduct and urges the prosecution to decide whether it will serve political interests or uphold criminal accountability.