Skopje, 15 July 2025 (MIA) - When we assumed responsibility to lead the country, we found institutions stuck in a web of abuses, clientelism and systemic corruption. Corruption wasn’t an anomaly – it was the norm, and justice was selective. The government served powerful interests, not the citizens. That was the reality we inherited. And that’s why one of the first and most resolute fights we launched was precisely the fight against high corruption. In that fight, today we have our first significant recognition from the international community. After years of institutional darkness, the GRECO (Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption) report published yesterday is a sign that Macedonia is moving forward, towards a system that works, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stressed at a session Tuesday of the National Committee for the Prevention of Violent Extremism and Countering Terrorism.

Mickoski said GRECO has “confirmed that Macedonia is leaving behind the era of selective justice and political inviolability”.

“With the closure of its compliance procedure, the Group of States Against Corruption has sent a clear message: that there are visible results, tangible improvements and strong political willingness to put an end to old practices. This isn’t just an administrative recognition; it is an institutional turning point,” the Prime Minister said.

According to the PM, for the first time in a long time the country isn’t the target of criticism but is instead receiving recognition “for serious progress in the fight against corruption”.

“This gives us motivation, but even more so, it brings responsibility. The fight against corruption is not just declarative – it is a systemic change that is now receiving an international recognition as well,” Mickoski stressed.

Photo: Government