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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE]
73 clusters · 78 sources · 95 days · First seen · Last updated
Categories: POLITICS · BUSINESS · CRIME
North Macedonia political and anti‑corruption crisis
Entities: Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) · Christian Micic · Social Democratic Union of Macedonia · North Macedonia · VMRO‑DPMNE
Overview
In early May 2026 an appeals court annulled the conviction of former prime‑minister’s bodyguard Angel Samarakov for leaking secret police files, while former security chief Mitko Çavkov warned that the 2017 “27 April” trial was politically tainted. Days later the State Audit Office revealed irregularities in a €167 million mazut fuel purchase for the Negotino power plant; prosecutors halted the probe, sparking accusations of political protection for the ruling coalition. The opposition SDSM responded with a “Front for Truth and Justice” anti‑corruption platform and accused senior prosecutors of covering up the scandal. The Special Prosecutor’s Office and the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office appealed the halt, keeping the case alive. Parallel controversies involved the interior minister’s claim of undisclosed evidence, a judge’s money‑laundering charge, the detention and bail of customs chief Stefan Bogojev, and a judges‑academy audit exposing financial mis‑management. The government pledged tougher anti‑corruption action while debating cabinet reshuffle, demographic decline and early‑election scenarios. Throughout June‑July the coalition pursued judicial reforms, salary increases for constitutional judges and EU‑aligned legislation; opposition criticised election‑law changes, alleged vote‑rigging and said the legal system was used to silence opponents. The period ended with the prime minister’s Ilinden speech, condemned by the opposition amid water‑quality concerns and stalled EU reforms. In late July opposition leader Venkо Filipče demanded the release of water‑quality analyses for Gostivar, Valandovo, Skopje and other municipalities after reports of contaminated drinking water, white foam in the Lepence River and a polluted hospital supply. Prime Minister Christian Micic reiterated that no constitutional amendments would be adopted and framed EU accession as the nation’s priority, accusing Bulgaria of double‑standard policies.
Timeline
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2 days ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesMacedonian SDSM accuses government of orchestrated hate campaignMacedonian opposition SDSM alleges the Micic‑Stoilkovic government runs a hate campaign, echoing Serbian tactics, targeting youth and using inflammatory language.
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3 days ago
[POLITICS] 6 sourcesMacedonia's ruling VMRO‑DPMNE accuses SDSM leader Venco Filipche of staging political stuntVMRO‑DPMNE accused SDSM leader Venco Filipche of staging a political stunt in Novo Selo, using convicted drug dealers and violent offenders – Christian Eftimov, Ilija Stojanov, and Zoran Trifunovski – as “kids”
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5 days ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesAndrej Zhernovski slams PM Christian Micic for dividing MacedoniansSDSM official Andrej Zhernovski accused PM Christian Micic of dividing Macedonians, calling dissenters “talog,” and warned of economic crisis, water contamination and stalled EU integration.
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7 days ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesNorth Macedonia PM Micic criticised for divisive Ilinden speechSDSM leaders, led by Andrej Zhernovski, denounced PM Christian Micic’s Ilinden holiday speech as divisive, calling citizens “talog” and accusing him of lies, economic mismanagement, while VMO‑DPMNE counter‑attt
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11 days ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesNorth Macedonia PM Christian Mицkосki under pressure over water safety and EU accession reformsMacedonia’s PM Christian Mицkосki faces calls to release water‑quality data and rejects current constitutional reform demands while stressing the push for EU accession and addressing minority‑rights disputes.
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20 days ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesNorth Macedonia Justice Minister Shasivari seeks US support and raises judges' payNorth Macedonia’s Justice Minister Shasivari discussed lay‑judge compensation and shortages with court officials, then sought U.S. expertise and support for criminal law reforms and a drug‑strategy project.
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20 days ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesNorth Macedonia PM Micevski pledges no bankruptcy amid economic woesPM Christian Micevski says Macedonia will avoid bankruptcy this year, promises tax cuts and growth, while critics cite falling investment, high prices and budget strain.
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24 days ago
[POLITICS] 5 sourcesMacedonia's SDSM accuses VMRO of political deflection amid reform delaysSDSM accuses VMRO of staging scandals, debt write‑offs and election‑law disputes to hide stalled reforms and a blocked EU path in Macedonia.
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24 days ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesChristian Mikoski Accused of Controlling Macedonian JudiciaryBogdanika Kuzeska alleges Christian Mikoski controls Macedonia's courts, citing acquittals of allies and protection of VMRO assets.
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26 days ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesMacedonian Prime Minister Christian Miccoski urged to apologize for insulting citizensMacedonia’s premier Christian Miccoski was condemned for insulting citizens and a deputy in parliament, prompting calls for a public apology amid concerns over political incivility.
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27 days ago
[POLITICS] 9 sourcesMacedonia's SDSM accuses government of election‑law manipulation blocking EU progressSDSM says the government’s election‑law draft serves its own interests, not EU standards, and accuses ruling parties of blocking reforms and steering state contracts to allied firms.
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29 days ago
[POLITICS] 14 sourcesSDSM rejects Levica‑led opposition meeting on Macedonia’s electoral law reformSDSM says it will not join Levica’s opposition meeting on electoral‑law reforms, calling it a staged move by PM Micsoski; its boycott forced the meeting’s cancellation.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 17 sourcesMacedonian PM Mickoski pledges reforms and warns traders over rising marginsMickoski vows continued reforms and EU progress while rejecting unconditional constitutional changes, and warns traders after a study showed profit margins up 2‑5 % on 600‑700 products, citing low regional‑wide
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesSDSM urges internal debate to confront Mikovski governmentSDSM’s executive board calls for internal debate, cites worsening economy and rising debt, and pledges a united offensive against the Mikovski government.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesNorth Macedonia PM Mickoski cites lowest regional inflation and urges diaspora voting reformPM Hristijan Mickoski said North Macedonia has the region's lowest inflation (around 2–3%) and pressed opposition to back an electoral code easing diaspora voting.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesMacedonia's Judicial Council president warns of inadequate lay‑judge compensationMacedonia's Judicial Council president Aleksandar Kambovski says daily compensation of 570‑670 denars for lay judges is outdated and inadequate, risking a shortage, and urges the Justice Ministry to issue a new
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesMacedonian Prime Minister Micic says Dimitar Dimovski will not become good‑governance secretaryMacedonia’s Prime Minister Christian Micic says Dimitar Dimovski will not be appointed secretary for good governance, amid past corruption convictions and concerns over their business ties.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesChristian Mickoski faces criticism as SDSM denounces panic‑driven surveyMacedonia's SDSM blames Prime Minister Christian Mickoski for a panic‑driven survey, cites economic hardship, hidden debt and moves to alter election rules ahead of early elections.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesNorth Macedonia PM Christian Micic faces criticism over cabinet reshuffle and appointment of convicted partnerSDSM says North Macedonia’s July‑13 cabinet reshuffle consolidates PM Christian Micic’s power and criticises his appointment of convicted partner Dimitar Dimovski to a “good governance” ministry.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia PM Mikloski appoints convicted partner Dimovski to Good Governance portfolioMacedonia’s PM Mikloski placed condemned business partner Dimitar Dimovski, serving a conditional sentence for land‑sale fraud, in charge of the Good Governance portfolio, prompting opposition calls for his ou‑
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 10 sourcesMickoski Announces Wage and Pension Boosts, New Highway Projects and Cabinet ReshuffleMickoski reports salary and pension hikes, six highway projects, a July 13 cabinet reshuffle and accuses opposition of blocking electronic diaspora voting reforms.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 9 sourcesMacedonian PM Christian Micic Unveils New Cabinet, Rejects Presidential RunMacedonian PM Christian Micic presented a new cabinet, said he won’t run for president and will return to university after his term, and aims for another parliamentary win while continuing EU reforms.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesChristian Miccovski Accused of Acting as Prosecutor and Judge to Silence OpponentsNorth Macedonian PM Christian Miccovski is accused of acting as prosecutor and judge, threatening opponents and overseeing alleged political persecution amid economic decline.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesMacedonia Justice Minister Igor Filkov Announces Largest Judicial Reform CycleMacedonian Justice Minister Igor Filkov told EU ambassadors that about 30 laws have been prepared in under two years, four already passed, to fulfill the EU reform agenda and modernise the country’s judicial系统.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 5 sourcesMacedonia's Prime Minister Christian Miccovski announces airline subsidies, cultural budget boost and patriotic reformsPrime Minister Christian Miccovski outlined continued airline subsidies targeting 3.5 million passengers, a 34 % culture‑budget increase for major projects, and a push for patriotic reforms tied to development.
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about 1 month ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia’s Prime Minister Christian Micic acknowledges EU negotiation framework unchangedPrime Minister Christian Micic said the EU accession negotiation framework will not change, confirming SDSM’s claim that his earlier promises were unreal and that he blocked progress.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 16 sourcesChristian Micic unveils government reconstruction and reform push in North MacedoniaChristian Micic vows judicial clean‑up, blames Bulgarian propaganda, plans a ministry reshuffle, pushes six‑motorway projects and expects a top EU reform ranking.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 8 sourcesMacedonia PM Mickoski faces coalition negotiations and criticismMacedonian PM Hristijan Mickoski’s coalition talks delay a government reshuffle, with disputes over ministries, criticism over his rhetoric, and claims of the country’s lowest regional fuel prices.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesNorth Macedonia's former presidential pardons revoked by European Court, raising fair‑trial concernsEuropean Court of Human Rights upheld North Macedonia's revocation of former President Ivanov's pardons but found fair‑trial violations for two applicants, ordering compensation.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesNorth Macedonia Constitutional Court judges to receive higher salaries from OctoberNorth Macedonia’s Constitutional Court will raise the president’s and judges’ salaries from 1 Oct, restoring higher pay coefficients and adding at least €200 per month.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesNorth Macedonia's Deputy PM Bekim Sali says government on track to meet reform agenda and ready for early electionsDeputy PM Bekim Sali says North Macedonia will meet most reform agenda targets by June and is ready for early elections, with possible cabinet changes and new language provisions for judicial exams.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 14 sourcesNorth Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski outlines cabinet reshuffle, food‑price ultimatum and demographic warningMickoski pushes a weekend government reshuffle, orders food‑price cuts with penalties, and warns of a potential 150‑250 k population loss in the next 20‑25 years as inflation stays high.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonian Prime Minister Christian Micic outlines 2024‑2044 National Development StrategyMacedonian PM Christian Micic said the 2024‑2044 development strategy will be judged by improved lives, citing broad expert input and dozens of measures already underway.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesNorth Macedonia PM Christian Micc defends €4.6bn debt repayment claim as opposition challenges figuresMacedonia’s PM Christian Micc claims €4.6bn debt repayment, while opposition SDSM says only €660m was repaid, new borrowing increased debt and urges early elections.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 11 sourcesPrime Minister Christian Micic charts reforms, demographic plan and EU push in North MacedoniaChristian Micic outlines a vision for a ‘state of opportunities’, warns of a looming demographic shortfall, and begins talks on cabinet reshuffle while EU accession support stays above 60 % in North Macedonia.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 6 sourcesNorth Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski discusses coalition talks and warns of up to 250,000 missing residentsNorth Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski met ZNAM leaders to discuss government reconstruction and cautioned that the country could lose 150‑250 k people in the next 25 years due to youth migration.
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about 2 months ago
[BUSINESS] 2 sourcesMacedonia's OKTA oil supplier excluded from 'Mazut' investigationOKTA supplied ~99% of the fuel investigated in Macedonia's 'Mazut' case but was not targeted; prosecutors found no quality or environmental violations and the probe was closed.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia's President Demands Judicial Reforms and Property Origin AuditsMacedonia’s president says trust in the judiciary is just 2% and calls for serious reforms and property‑origin checks to restore confidence and aid EU accession.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesMacedonian Prime Minister Mikoski Pushes Early Election Amid Economic CrisisMacedonia’s opposition says PM Christian Mikoski, after denying early elections, now plans them to hide a fiscal crisis, citing falling investment, rising poverty and dwindling support.
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about 2 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonian Chief Prosecutor Nenad Saveski Defends Independence Amid 'Mazut' CaseMacedonia's chief prosecutor Nenad Saveski says his office remains independent, a prime‑minister call is harmless, and the 'Mazut' case is now before the Higher Public Prosecutor awaiting a decision.
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2 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia’s Agriculture Minister Tripunovski Faces Opposition Criticism Over Subsidy Cuts and ScandalsOpposition MP Borche Cvetkov says Macedonia’s agriculture is in chaos, citing delayed and cut subsidies, policy shifts favouring large producers, and recent corruption scandals involving agency heads, demanding
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2 months ago
[POLITICS] 5 sourcesMacedonia's Agriculture Minister Tripunovski faces interpellation over subsidies and corruptionMacedonian opposition accuses Agriculture Minister Tripunovski of corruption, blocked EU funds and delayed farmer subsidies, calling for his resignation; the prime minister voted against the interpellation.
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2 months ago
[CRIME] 2 sourcesStefan Bogojev released after Macedonian court accepts €55,000 bailMacedonian court accepted a €55,000 bail for Stefan Bogojev, ending his detention while he faces organized‑crime and corruption charges.
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2 months ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesNikola Gruevski’s 2018 escape from Ohrid hotel to Hungary detailedDetails show former Macedonian PM Nikola Gruevski left an Ohrid hotel on 10 Nov 2018, travelled via Albania, Montenegro and Serbia, and arrived in Budapest; investigation remains ongoing.
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2 months ago
[CRIME] 6 sourcesStefan Bogoev's 30‑day detention under appeal in MacedoniaStefan Bogoev, ex‑director of Macedonia’s customs agency, faces a 30‑day detention for alleged procurement abuse and bribery; his defence has appealed and offered a €60k guarantee, awaiting the prosecutor’s and
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2 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia's former leaders clash over alleged plans to reinstate Nikola GruevskiEx‑president Pendarovski says talks existed to return Gruevski via pardon or amnesty, while ex‑PM Kovachevski denies any such discussions, sparking debate over Macedonian political engineering.
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2 months ago
[CRIME] 5 sourcesMacedonian Court Finds No Money‑Laundering Offence in Izgrev Credit CaseMacedonia's court dismissed money‑laundering charges in the Izgrev case, saying funds from bank credit are lawful, ending a 19‑year dispute.
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2 months ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesMacedonia prosecutor halts Mazut fuel investigation amid political pressureMacedonian prosecutor Nenan Saveski halted the Mazut fuel probe, citing lack of evidence; political leaders demand interior minister reveal hidden proof, keeping a €167 million case in limbo.
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2 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia's Judges Academy audit uncovers extensive financial irregularitiesMacedonia's Judges Academy audit reveals overpayments, untendered procurements, and misuse of fuel cards, prompting opposition Levica to demand accountability amid low public trust in the judiciary.
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2 months ago
[CRIME] 7 sourcesMacedonia orders 30‑day detention for former customs chief Stefan Bogojev and three othersMacedonia’s Basic Criminal Court sentenced former customs director Stefan Bogojev and three co‑accused to 30‑day pre‑trial detention over alleged abuse of public procurement and bribery.
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2 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesNorth Macedonia detains former customs chief Stefan Bogojev over procurement fraudNorth Macedonia’s prosecutor ordered detention of former customs chief Stefan Bogojev and three others for alleged procurement abuse and bribery, prompting a Finance Police raid and a statement from Prime Miner
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2 months ago
[POLITICS] 7 sourcesFormer North Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski Granted Hungarian CitizenshipFormer North Macedonian PM Nikola Gruevski received Hungarian citizenship in 2022, complicating his possible return and prompting Hungary's new PM to reject the country as a haven for criminals.
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2 months ago
[CRIME] 5 sourcesJudge Gjoko Ristos denies money‑laundering charges in North MacedoniaJudge Gjoko Ristos denies charges that he hid €350,000 in his parents' Negotino home; prosecutors say he falsified asset declarations, while defence claims the cash belongs to his parents. Trial led by judge B.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonian interior minister says new evidence will shock public in Mazut corruption caseNorth Macedonia’s interior minister Panche Toshevski says he has undisclosed evidence in the year‑long Mazut corruption probe, promising a public shock after prosecutors closed the case.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 4 sourcesMacedonian PM Christian Mitzkovski vows swift anti‑corruption actionMacedonia's PM Christian Mitzkovski, speaking in Ohrid, urged faster justice, promised a tougher anti‑corruption stance and warned he won't stay silent on government mistakes.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesNorth Macedonia's ESМ appeal could revive 167‑million‑euro mazut procurement scandalESМ’s appeal gives the higher prosecutor legal grounds to reopen the €167 million mazut procurement probe, accusing Kolareviḱ and Abazi of political bias and evidence manipulation.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia's Supreme Prosecutor Appeals Halted Investigation into €167‑Million Mazut DealMacedonia's Supreme Prosecutor appealed the halt of the €167 million Mazut fuel purchase probe, with VMRO‑DPMNE envoy Antonio Miloshovski saying prosecutors Kolarevich and Abazi acted unprofessionally and the案應
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3 months ago
[CRIME] 4 sourcesNorth Macedonia prosecutors charge two directors with 7.4 million denar tax evasionNorth Macedonia prosecutors charge two company directors with 7.4 million denar tax evasion, alleging false filings and undisclosed withdrawals.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 5 sourcesNorth Macedonia prosecutors Abazi and Kolevich accused of covering up 167‑million‑euro mazut dealNorth Macedonian auditors flag a €167 m mazut procurement scandal; prosecutors Abazi and Kolevich are accused of halting the probe to shield ruling party allies
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 13 sourcesMacedonian opposition SDSM launches anti‑corruption “Front for Truth and Justice”SDSM leader Venko Filipče launches a “Front for Truth and Justice” with sweeping anti‑corruption reforms and warns of a network linking Orbán, Vučić and Mickosk
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesNorth Macedonia's Negotino Power Plant mazut procurement case stalls as prosecutors halt investigationProsecutors halt a 167 million‑euro mazut procurement probe at Negotino power plant after audit finds irregularities, sparking ESМ and opposition backlash.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonian opposition calls for probe of Alpha TV–Alta Bank financial linksMacedonian opposition urges probe into alleged money‑laundering ties between Alpha TV and Alta Bank.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesMacedonian prosecutor Islam Abazi blasted for dropping 167‑million‑euro Mazut fraud caseVMRO‑DPMNE accuses Macedonia’s chief prosecutor Islam Abazi of shielding a 167 million‑euro Mazut fraud case and calls for his resignation.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 6 sourcesNorth Macedonia Interior Minister Defends Prime Minister Against Illegal Communication AllegationsMacedonia's interior minister says PM Miccovski never engaged in illegal talks with prosecutors over the Mazut case.
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3 months ago
[CRIME] 5 sourcesMacedonia confiscates passport of Gostivar court president over alleged €8,000 bribeMacedonian court officials in Gostivar face investigation and travel bans for alleged €8,000 bribe to sway rulings.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia Agriculture Minister Calls for Probe of €800,000 Grant MisuseMacedonia’s agriculture minister demands an investigation into alleged €800k grant misuse and bypass of the payment agency.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesMacedonian Deputy Demands Prosecutor Islam Abazi Resign Over €167 M Mazut CaseMacedonian deputy Antonio Milosovski urges Prosecutor Islam Abazi to resign after the €167 M Mazut case was abruptly closed.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia's justice faces pressure as SDSM demands Gruevski extradition and prosecutor stops €167m caseMacedonia's SDSM urges prompt extradition of ex-PM Gruevski while prosecutor Islam Abazi shuts a €167m fraud probe.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia Justice System Criticized After 167 M€ Fuel Oil Case HaltedMacedonian MP Ljupcho Prendzhov denounces the halting of a €167 M fuel‑oil probe, urging an appeal and warning of eroded court trust.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 10 sourcesMacedonia PM Mikovski Demands Resignation of Public Prosecutor SavskiMacedonia’s PM Mikovski ordered prosecutor Savski to quit, sparking SDSM claims of political interference.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 2 sourcesMacedonia's Justice Ministry urged to confirm Nikola Gruevski extradition statusMacedonia's SDSM demands a clear answer on whether extradition papers for Nikola Gruevski have been sent.
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3 months ago
[POLITICS] 3 sourcesMitko Çavkov claims political interference in North Macedonia’s 27 April trialFormer Macedonian minister Mitko Çavkov says the 27 April trial was politically tainted, after his 16‑year sentence and pending 2026 release.
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3 months ago
[CRIME] 2 sourcesMacedonian court orders retrial of ex‑PM’s bodyguard Angel Samarakov over secret‑document leakMacedonia’s Appeals Court nullifies a 1½‑year sentence for ex‑PM bodyguard Angel Samarakov, sending the secret‑document case back for retrial.
Sources
24-ore.com · 360stepeni.mk · 365.com.mk · a1on.mk · aktuale.mk · albeu.com · alfa.mk · antropol.mk · athina984.gr · balkanweb.com · beta.rs · biznisvesti.mk · brif.mk · capital.gr · centar.mk · dan.co.me · danas.rs · denesen.mk · emvolos.gr · english.republika.mk · ernesthuska.blog.sme.sk · expres.mk · fakti.bg · faktiditor.ch · focus-news.net · frontline.mk · gazeta.mk · gazeta10.com · haschcon.com · hashtag.al · hcvillars1908.ch · iependitis.gr · infoshqip.com · javanews.al · koha.mk · lajmpress.org · libertas.mk · lider.mk · lideri.mk · lokalno.mk · makfax.com.mk · miroslavaarpasova.blog.sme.sk · mkd.mk · newsbomb.gr · nezavisen.mk · novamakedonija.com.mk · novatv.mk · nps.org.rs
This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history