SDSM accuses VMRO-DPMNE of controlling North Macedonia judiciary

Natasha Popovic, an Executive Board member of the SDSM, has accused the VMRO-DPMNE party of seizing total control over North Macedonia’s institutions over the past two and a half years. During a press conference, she alleged that the party has partisanized the police, the National Security Agency (ANB), and the judiciary, including the prosecution and courts.

Popovic claimed that Hristijan Mickoski has publicly directed the tasks of judges and prosecutors via television and telephone. She cited a recent European Commission report that noted interference in the judiciary, a lack of reforms, widespread corruption, and problematic public procurement.

Further allegations included the dismissal of criminal charges against government officials, the lack of accountability regarding a large drug seizure at the border, and the handling of corruption cases involving individuals close to the government. Popovic also highlighted concerns regarding the immunity of officials and the influence of the party over judicial appointments.