English
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, in an interview with Kanal 5 Television, stated that accusations of corruption must be substantiated by concrete evidence rather than being used as mere political rhetoric. He emphasized that the Government is committed to a concrete and uncompromising fight against corruption.
“Where is there corruption? Let them tell us—do you have proof of corruption, or does the person claiming it exists have such proof? Which European Commission report states that there is corruption? A new report on the country’s progress is due soon; let’s wait and see what it says. Furthermore, the person who reported corruption—who was involved in the process where a bribe was solicited—has seen the perpetrator arrested. It is not just two directors; there are more. And there will be more arrests if this continues; in fact, there was an operation today related to the fight against corruption. Cigarette smuggling that had been going on for decades was halted—and that is just the beginning of the investigation. More evidence is yet to emerge, implicating high-ranking officials from past governments who were involved in cigarette smuggling,” he said.
Mickoski issued a public call for citizens to report instances of corruption and announced cooperation with an international organization. He further emphasized that discretion would be guaranteed to anyone who reports corruption, while anyone proven to be corrupt would be held accountable.
“I publicly call upon citizens—and we will soon hold a press conference with an international organization—to come forward and publicly report instances of corruption so that we can take action. I do not accept vague political platitudes simply stating that corruption exists. Fine, but let’s report it,” stated Mickoski, adding that he aspires to be the person who eradicates corruption.
“I am the foremost opponent of corruption. I want to be the person who destroys it. Let’s all work together—and as for those who mention corruption in their reports, instead of merely writing that ‘suspicions exist,’ let them provide evidence. I guarantee your discretion—not a hair on your head will be harmed—but those who are corrupt will be held accountable,” Mickoski asserted firmly.