The Macedonian Government decided to push through changes to the law against corruption and conflict of interest through the European flag procedure, which ensures short discussion times and rapid approval of the law.

The public is warily looking into the proposal, given the on-going attempt by the Government to water down provisions against abuse of office in the Criminal Code, likely introduced to give pardons to several members of Parliament which the Government earlier charged with corruption, but now wants to get off the hook as they voted in favor of its push to rename Macedonia into North Macedonia. Several members of Parliament charged with “terrorism” already received pardons, but others who helped the Government in the key vote are still facing trial.

The country is currently also without an Anti-Corruption Commission, meaning that a series of public procurement scandals which favor some of these key votes in the Parliament, but also close relatives of Government ministers are left unaddressed.