VMRO-DPMNE questions Filipce and Zaev over Iva Mihailova's departure

The political opposition in North Macedonia, VMRO-DPMNE, has raised questions regarding the potential involvement of former leaders Venco Filipce and Zoran Zaev in the departure of Iva Mihailova to Bulgaria.

According to VMRO-DPMNE spokesperson Valentin Manasievski, a medical report issued on March 19, 2026, by Dr. Ivan Barbov stated that Mihailova required specialized treatment only available in Bulgaria. The opposition alleges that Barbov, a former neurology clinic director appointed during the SDSM administration, may have been pressured by Filipce and Zaev to facilitate this move. They further noted that Barbov has a prior criminal conviction related to the ‘Metastaza’ case involving illegal disability pensions.

Venco Filipce responded to the allegations on social media with irony, dismissing the claims as attempts by the government to deflect from its own failures. Manasievski clarified that the party is not making direct accusations but is asking whether the former officials influenced the medical report, calling for an official investigation into the matter.