Skopje, 5 March 2025 (MIA) - Deputy Prime Minister for Good Governance, Arben Fetai, met Wednesday with members of the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption (SCPC), and discussed accelerating the fight against corruption and strengthening inter-institutional coordination in implementing the national strategy in this area.

As stated by the Deputy Prime Minister for Good Governance’s office, Fetai emphasized that the fight against crime and corruption is one of the government’s top priorities, including reforms in the judiciary, aimed at effectively addressing corruption and restoring citizens' trust in institutions.

Discussing the implementation of the Strategy for the Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest 2021-2025, he emphasized that during the previous government’s tenure, there was a regression in this area due to a lack of political will and harmful decisions, such as the scandalous change to the Criminal Code, which resulted in an organized amnesty for political corruption.

"Resetting the fight against corruption has become a national priority," stated Fetai, committing to amend the Criminal Code and implement reforms in the judiciary to create a new approach in the fight against corruption.

Regarding the role of the interdepartmental body for combating corruption, which is tasked with coordinating institutional activities in this area, Fetai promised to fulfil this important mandate.

“My plan, with the support of international partners, is to transform the interdepartmental body into an efficient coordination mechanism, which will establish a real front against corruption, demonstrating clear political will and fostering inter-institutional cooperation, instead of remaining merely a talk show, as it was in the past,” he said.

Fetai expressed optimism that the country will make progress in building the rule of law, which is a moral obligation to the citizens and the youth, who are increasingly leaving the country due to the corruption that causes collective depression.

Biljana Karakashova Shulev, Deputy Chair of the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption, discussed the Commission's challenges in enforcing anti-corruption policies, pointing out the lack of human and technical resources. She stressed that major issues in combating crime include the failure of institutions to meet legal obligations, the absence of annual anti-corruption plans, and the limited capacity of personnel involved in this process.

Both sides agreed to coordinate activities aimed at improving legislation and enhancing efficiency in the fight against crime and corruption, according to the Deputy Prime Minister for Good Governance’s office.

Photo: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Good Governance, Arben Fetai