Gostivar, 12 July 2024 (MIA) - Deputy PM for Good Governance Policies Arben Fetai said Friday the strategy on countering corruption was not implemented by the previous authorities due to suspected links between public officials and the business sector.

"We have heard about the conclusions of the report by the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption (SCPC) and we are aware that the Strategy on countering corruption has not been implemented. This is a result of lack of political will. Despite good legislation on paper, the previous government was not interested in practical implementation due to the conflict of interests and own businesses in the institutions," said Fetai.

Deputy PM Fetai referred to his priorities in the coming period in his first meeting with reporters since assuming the post. He gave the statements in Albanian and English, saying he was unable to express himself properly in Macedonian.

"First, the issue of property confiscation of officials. I hope we will have a new strategy on financial investigations and property confiscation and raise the issue at the highest political level," said Fetai.

He said good governance and transparency would be his second priority, through revision of the Strategy on the Government's transparency, along with cooperation with local authorities on enhancing their transparency.

The Deputy PM also said he would meet with national partners in the fight against corruption in the coming days, including the Public Prosecutor's Office, State Audit Office, Office for IPA Funds and others.

Photo: MIA