Law professor and opposition activist Ivanka Vasilevska, who is one of the critics of the Government threatened with charges by Zaev’s Secretary General Dragi Raskovski, responded to his threats following his press conference. A leaked audio tape of Raskovski reveals him discussing a major public procurement contract with the Italian Leonardo company which raised corruption allegations, to which Raskovski responded with threats of lawsuits against those who discuss the tape.

Mr. Raskovski, you are clearly heard on the audio recording as saying “Leonardo will win”. This, Mr. Raskovski, indicates that you are openly rigging the winner of the contract, said Vasilevska.

She also noted that Raskovski shifted the blame on Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, when he insisted that he was given authority by the Prime Minister to attend the meetings dedicated to the contract. A major issue of the scandal is Raskovski’s very presence at a meeting where the contract was being discussed.

Today it was made clear that Dragi Raskovski was empowered to negotiate the deal by Zoran Zaev. Today we heard that the orders made with regard to this scandalous contract were given by Zoran Zaev himself, Vasilevska added.

Another issue with the contract is that it was signed despite the fact that the application by the Italian Leonardo company was sent past the final filing date.

Instead of arguing with the press from a position of power, you need to resign immediately, as a sign of your moral responsibility. We additionally expect that the state prosecutors investigate this case and demand detention, in order to secure your presence, Vasilevska said.

https://english.republika.mk/news/macedonia/raskovski-says-prime-minister-zaev-instructed-him-to-discuss-the-leonardo-contract/