Skopje, 12 December 2024 (MIA) – Former deputy prime minister and DUI member Artan Grubi has announced he will withdraw from public life after being “blacklisted” by the U.S. Department of State.

“I’m as clean as a whistle,” Grubi wrote in a Facebook post saying he had informed DUI leader Ali Ahmeti of his decision.

He said he had decided to withdraw so as not to be “a political burden”.

“This is a tough decision, but it is a necessary one for peace of mind of my family and to protect my personal and political integrity and also to support the continuity of the work and dedication of our leader Ali Ahmeti,” Grubi wrote. 

He stressed he is “uncompromisingly” dedicated to equality of Albanians in North Macedonia, full NATO integration, the strategic partnership with the United States and membership in the EU.

On Monday, the U.S. Department of State designated former deputy prime minister of North Macedonia, Artan Grubi, and Enver Bexheti, Court of Appeals judge, for their involvement in significant corruption.

Chief State Public Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski has opened a case to secure evidence over possible criminal liability of people designated by the U.S. Department of State.

He announced on Wednesday that the case was forwarded to the competent prosecutor’s office before it issues orders to the institutions to look into wrongdoings.  

“Given the gravity of the allegations due to which people were designated, I used my powers to open a case yesterday in order to try and secure evidence to look into any possible criminal liability of the people alleged of receiving bribes and trading in influence,” Kocevski told a press briefing.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, DUI leader Ali Ahmeti said his party doesn’t dispute the U.S. Department of State decisions adding that Grubi has the right to file a complaint. 

MIA file photo