Venko Filipče alleges financial misconduct in Hungary loan and state spending

SDSM President Venko Filipče has raised several allegations regarding the management of public funds in North Macedonia, targeting both international loans and domestic spending.

Regarding international finance, Filipče raised questions about a one billion euro loan from Hungary’s Eximbank. He suggested there may be a 100 million euro commission involved and called for an accounting of funds intended for municipalities and companies. This follows confirmed investigations by Hungarian police into Eximbank regarding potential abuse of office and mismanagement, which include the loan to Macedonia.

On the domestic front, Filipče accused Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of misleading the public regarding the costs of a recent celebration. While the Prime Minister initially claimed no taxpayer money was used, Filipče stated that documents reveal the State Lottery approved 5.5 million euros for the event, including a performance by DJ David Guetta. Filipče alleged that these funds were spent in a non-transparent manner, violating public procurement laws, and argued that the money should have been used to support citizens or the agricultural sector instead.