Skopje, 24 January 2024 (MIA) – The Supreme Court of the Republic of North Macedonia announced Wednesday that on November 9, 2023, it ruled in favor of the Republic of North Macedonia, the plaintiff in a case launched against the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM), as the defendant, regarding ownership of the headquarters of SSM. With the announcement, the Court confirmed that it has ruled to seize the building which houses the headquarters of the Federation.  

“The administrative building and plot of land are the property of the plaintiff, in line with a provision of Article 82 of the Law on Civil Associations and Foundations, because the legal predecessor of the defendant, constructed and acquired the building largely with funds received by the plaintiff as the legal successor to the People’s Republic of Macedonia, and not with its own funds,” said the Supreme Court in a press release.

Earlier on Wednesday, SSM called an emergency press conference during which it demanded responsibility from the Supreme Court if it had really ruled to seize their headquarters. The Federation said it would demand a resignation from the President of the Supreme Court, as well as by the Council of Judges, if such a decision was made.

Asked to comment on the issue, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski told journalists on Wednesday that he is on the side of SSM, and directed them to the Supreme Court for answers over the verdict. “I never comment on court rulings, however I am on the side of SSM,” said the PM.

Photo: MIA Archive