Robert Popovski, the former journalist who is now Zaev’s minister in charge of transparency, was overheard today instructing fellow ministers to get away from a press event, before the “journalists crucify us”, the IRL news site reported.

It’s better they get angry at us for leaving without making statements, than to have us crucified, Popovski was reportedly heard telling a fellow former journalist, now Defense Ministry spokeswoman Lidija Jancovska.

The event included two deputy Prime Ministers, Radmila Sekerinska and Bujar Osmani. Osmani reportedly heeded Popovski’s call, but Sekerinska fielded a few questions.

Popovski’s office issued a denial that he was giving this type of instructions. He told IRL and the other press that the very fact Sekerinska answered questions proves that the Government is transparent.