Skopje, 17 May 2023 (MIA) – The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of good governance policies, Slavica Grkovska, answered questions about the Government’s ethical code and said that the Bechtel-Enka contract contains a confidentiality clause, at a media briefing Wednesday.

“My first statement on this issue was that I see no reason why the contract shouldn’t be published unless it contains a clause which might affect that decision, and I said I would check. However, such a clause exists, the Prime Minister immediately confirmed this and the public was informed about it,” said Grkovska.

Regarding the mechanism at the disposal of her Office – warnings for officials who break the ethical code and abuse their post, Grkovska stressed that they make decisions purely on the basis of arguments regardless of who they concern. Asked if there are pressures from some officials, Grkovska refused to answer.

“We decide purely on the basis of arguments, regardless of any other factors. This has an impact, there are changes in behavior and this can be seen in the discussions that we have,” said Grkovska.

The Deputy PM pointed out that they have recommended that each ministry and institution has a person in charge of the implementation of the ethical code.

“We are headed in a good direction, this is a process because we haven’t had the practice of issuing warnings to officials about their behavior. This is a process which we hope will one day lead to a situation in which the awareness of officials is on the same level as it is in the more developed democratic countries, but this won’t happen overnight,” said Grkovska.

When asked what if someone repeatedly violates the code, Grkovska said they are obliged to inform the Prime Minister about it, and then it is up to him to decide on a measure. The measures include asking for the official’s resignation, dismissal or publicly warning them.

Photo: MIA Archive