Skopje, 8 November 2024 (MIA) – The State Commission for Prevention of Corruption (SCPC) decided Friday to file proceedings to competent bodies in relation to misappropriation of budget resources for private purposes by former culture minister Bisera Kostadinovska Stojchevska.

After today’s session, the anti-corruption commission said they confirmed allegations of misuse of budget funds for private purposes during an official trip of the former minister to Great Britain on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

“Allegations over the spending of budget funds for private purposes are being confirmed. The SCPC will act in line with its jurisdiction filing proceedings to competent bodies,” commission member Zoran Bogoevski said. 

In late August, VMRO-DPMNE accused Kostadinovska Stojchevska of spending taxpayers’ money in October 2023 during a four-day official trip to London to buy socks, tights, stuffed bears, balls and suitcases.

Speaking at a news conference, the former Culture Minister confirmed that she had spent her own money from her private account, whereas purchases made during the official visit were covered by the official card according to current regulations.  

“If it is determined that I’d committed any wrongdoing, I will face any judge, but if the opposite is determined, I will sue VMRO-DPMNE,” Kostadinovska Stojchevska said calling the ruling party’s allegations “disgusting”.

MIA file photo