English
During today’s parliamentary session dedicated to questions from MPs, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski rejected accusations made by the leader of the opposition SDSM, Venko Filipche, regarding alleged links between the current government in Macedonia and political developments in Serbia, dismissing them as lies and political fabrications. Addressing the opposition’s prior allegations concerning his relationship with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Mickoski noted that six months later—contrary to the predicted scandals—the State Audit Office’s report on the Hungarian loan confirms that the funds were used appropriately.
“I will not comment on the press conferences held by your political party regarding the elections in Serbia and the attempts to link them to us—specifically the discussions about who served as a mentor to whom. I will let time provide the answer to everything you are saying today and to the lies you are spreading. In a statement yesterday, I apologized to the citizens for what they are about to hear in the coming period. This is simply the level at which you believe you can gain votes right now. That is your decision; feel free to conduct politics however you see fit. But if you are asking for my advice, I believe you are taking a very wrong path.” “But that is your decision; I will not interfere here,” stated Mickoski.
He recalled that, as he put it, SDSM had leveled similar accusations regarding his relationship with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán six months ago.
“You were saying the exact same things about Orbán six months ago—the very same press conferences, from A to Z. Compare them with the situation today; back then, you claimed that ‘Micko’s’ illicit dealings with Orbán would be exposed—all sorts of things, and so on. Well, six months have passed, and only one thing has come to light: that we secured a substantial financial loan from Hungary. We utilized this loan appropriately, and the report released today by the State Audit Office serves as proof that we did so,” the Prime Minister said.
Mickoski pointed out that the funds from the Hungarian loan were intended to support the Macedonian economy, repay a Eurobond issued by the previous government, and provide support to the domestic business sector.
“Today, the State Audit Office confirms that the funds from the Hungarian loan are earmarked for the growth of the Macedonian economy, for the repayment of a Eurobond—amounting to half a billion—issued by your government, and for supporting the Macedonian business sector,” said Mickoski. According to him, the past six months have yielded no evidence of criminal activity linked to the loan; rather, they have confirmed that the Government utilized the funds in the interest of the state.
“In other words, over these six months, there hasn’t been even a trace of criminal activity—quite the contrary: it is confirmation that this Government has done a good deed for this country,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
Addressing the Prime Minister during a parliamentary session, SDSM leader Venko Filipche stated that the system of political support from Hungary and Serbia is fading with the potential decline of Vucic, and warned that the Prime Minister would eventually have to answer questions outside the parliamentary chamber as well.
“I know things aren’t easy for you right now; your second mentor is gone, too. That support system from Serbia is gradually fading away, and you will soon be left all alone. The question arises: what will you do then? You will likely have to answer questions not only here, but in other places as well. Issues will inevitably be raised regarding the ‘Chinese money’ coming via Hungary, about Alta Bank, and—as we are receiving more and more information—about whether there has actually been a transfer of funds from Serbia to this country. I saw some documents a few days ago. If that is truly the case, then—speaking humanly—I actually feel sorry for you; not in a political sense, mind you, but you have chosen this path yourself,” said Filipce.