Skopje, 5 December 2025 (MIA) - SDSM leader Venko Filipche said Friday the party has set up an Anti-Corruption Team (ACT) that will investigate scandals, analyse documents and present them to the public, adding they have asked European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi to visit the country and "witness first-hand the embezzlement of EU funds".

"SDSM is urging European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi to visit Macedonia and witness first hand the embezzlement of EU funds, including in the EUR 130 million-worth IPARD programme. We don't trust institutions, because authorities protect crime over law and public interest. The only thing that the authorities are doing is de-focusing. Instead of assuming responsibility after the arrest of the VMRO-DPMNE-appointed director of the agency for financial support of agriculture, the only thing we see is spins and accusations directed at the opposition," Filipche told a press conference.

He voiced assurance that the involvement of prosecutor Kövesi would result in the case's outcome, while ensuring that such scandals would not happen again.

"The facts are clear, this is the biggest embezzlement of European funds in Macedonia through IPARD, committed by VMRO-DPMNE members, people close to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. This is not VMRO-DPMNE's playground, they cannot fool around with Macedonia's destiny, the citizens' European future and the European funds that aim to improve people's lives and the state system," said Filipche.

Regarding the ACT, which is part of the party programme dubbed "New Force", the SDSM leader said it would be comprised of a professional team of advisors, law and finance experts, but primarily young activities and researchers. They are set to investigate scandals and analyse documents that will be presented to the public, uncover corruption schemes, followed by reporting to national and international institutions.

A web-platform will also be available soon, at which every citizen can report suspected corruption cases, present evidence and attach materials.

Filipche said they will also turn to the anti-corruption authorities in Italy, which have fought against the Cosa Nostra mafia for decades and managed to suppress it.

"Prevention has failed, corruption has escalated and we must investigate everything, because this robbery needs to stop. Everyone will be held responsible," noted Filipche.

Photo: SDSM