Skopje, 26 August 2024 (MIA) - The State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption opened a case Monday to investigate allegations that former Culture Minister Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska misused taxpayers’ money for personal needs.

The President of the Commission, Tatjana Dimitrovska told MIA the SCPC will request documents for the investigation on Tuesday.

On Sunday, VMRO-DPMNE MP Mile Lefkov accused Kostadinovska Stojchevska of spending taxpayers’ money in October 2023 during a four-day official trip to London to buy socks, tights, stuffed bears, balls and suitcases. Naming her “Bisera Antoinette”, he announced a series of news conference to “uncover a scandal.”

Speaking at a news conference Monday, the former Culture Minister confirmed that she had spent her own money from her private account, whereas purchases made during the official visit were covered by the official card according to current regulations.  

“If it is determined that I’d committed any wrongdoing, I will face any judge, but if the opposite is determined, I will sue VMRO-DPMNE,” Kostadinovska Stojchevska said calling the ruling party’s allegations “disgusting”. 

Photo: MIA Archive