Vinica, 21 June 2023 (MIA) - The U.S. Department of State’s decision to blacklist Struga Mayor Ramiz Merko, proves that our judiciary needs to be overhauled, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski on Wednesday.

In response to a reporter's question, Kovachevski criticized the country's investigative and judicial authorities for not being able to acquire any information on the mayor so far.

"The allegations over blacklisting the mayor are serious. Our judicial authorities should investigate the allegations made by the State Department and ask themselves how has the United States come to such information on which to base their opinion, given that it is a few thousand kilometers away from here, while our authorities have not found such data all these years," said Kovachevski.

According to the PM, this case reaffirms how important it is to continue the European integration process which will, among other things, increase the rule of law and the fight against corruption.

"Anyone opposing this process is opposing these foundations and benefits," Kovachevski added.

As regards Merko's term as a mayor of Struga, Kovachevski said that Merko himself will have to give an answer to that question as an elected official, and he also sent a message to the councilors of the Struga municipality to think carefully on how to proceed further.

The State Department designated Merko’s entire family as ineligible for entry into the United States due to his involvement in significant corruption.

The U.S. Department of State designated on Tuesday Struga Mayor Ramiz Merko and his family as generally ineligible for entry into the United States due to his involvement in significant corruption.

"While serving as Struga’s mayor, Merko misappropriated funds and interfered with judicial and other public processes, damaging the public’s faith in North Macedonia’s democratic institutions and officials. Today’s action sends a message that the United States stands with North Macedonia to foster stability through the strengthening of democratic institutions and addressing rule of law deficiencies. This designation reaffirms the commitment of the United States to combat corruption, which harms the public interest, hampers countries’ economic prosperity, and curtails the ability of governments to respond effectively to the needs of their people," said Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller in a press statement. ssh/nn/

Photo: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia