Skopje, 25 February 2025 (MIA) - The Government said Tuesday it checked and dismissed as “false” the allegations made by SDSM and DUI about the work of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Izet Mexhiti.

“The Government checked and dismissed the speculations and false allegations brought up by SDSM and DUI in relation to the work of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning. The inspection carried out by the Administrative Inspectorate refers to aspects of archival work and did not identify illegitimate procedures. This administrative practice was established in 2017 and has been continuously implemented under the leadership of SDSM and DUI ministers in previous governments. If according to Kuzevska’s logic this represents a violation of laws, then the law was violated by SDSM and DUI’s Government,” the Government said in a press release.

The Government added it remains committed to transparency and invited all interested parties to inspect the documents “for complete and accurate” reporting.

“We remain committed to legal and professional work in the interest of the citizens,” the Government added. 

On Tuesday, SDSM submitted documents to Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in relation to the allegations, after the Prime Minister said on Monday he trusts the Deputy PM and urged the opposition to submit evidence if they have any. 

“Here are the documents provided to us by whistleblowers, they are from the state institutions and have archival numbers, seals and signatures. They clearly state that the State Administrative Inspectorate has identified irregularities, with Mexhiti overstepping his legal authorizations, personally signing all cases,” SDSM spokesperson Bogdanka Kuzeska said before the party submitted the documents to the Government. 

Kuzeska alleged that based on the documents, a system for signatures and decision-making was established in the Ministry of Environment that was in violation of the legislation and administrative procedures, which, she said, gives rise to suspicions of corruption and bribery.   

First Deputy PM Mexhiti also dismissed the allegations on Tuesday, stating the issue refers to a practice established during SDSM and DUI's government.

Photo: MIA Archive