Skopje, 25 February 2025 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said Tuesday he expects the Council of Public Prosecutors to listen to the people's voice regarding the dismissal of Chief Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski.

Asked if a Council of Public Prosecutors' negative opinion over Kocevski's dismissal would mean that his ouster is political, PM Mickoski said the reasons for the motion would be elaborated in the Parliament.

"We will elaborate all reasons when the procedure reaches the Parliament. I would not assume what the Council's opinion could be, but considering that the people's trust in the judiciary is at its lowest on record, I do not expect it to be held prisoner of certain power centers and not listen to the people's voice. If citizens say that trust in the judiciary is at two percent, then I expect those who are paid by the citizens to listen and take a decision that citizens expect. If not, the Parliament will have to debate and you will be able to hear all arguments then," Mickoski told a press conference.

Earlier in the day, the Government adopted the motion for Kocevski's dismissal. After the conclusion of Government procedure, the motion will be forwarded to the Council of Public Prosecutors. In accordance with legal deadlines, the Council has to provide an opinion within 15 days, a deadline that can be extended for another 15 days. If an opinion is not given after this deadline, it is considered that the Council does not support the Government's motion. The Government then forwards the dismissal motion to the Parliament, which is set to make the final decision.

MIA file photo