Skopje, 11 February 2025 (MIA) - The Government has decided to initiate a procedure for the dismissal of Chief Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski, spokesperson Marija Miteva said at a press conference Tuesday.

Citing the reasons for the decision, the government spokesperson highlighted “the Government’s disappointment with the actions taken beyond the legal competencies” and “the citizens’ disappointment with a system that doesn’t work”.

“Initially, a discussion was launched over the latest index by Transparency International published today, which showed in detail that specifically four points refer to developments in the prosecution and the judiciary. Additionally, the latest appointment of acting head of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Skopje which is illegal, i.e., beyond the provisions of the Law on Public Prosecutor’s Office,” Miteva added, presenting what she said were the arguments behind the Government’s decision.

According to the Law on Public Prosecutor’s Office, the chief state prosecutor is elected and dismissed by Parliament. Parliament elects a candidate put forward by the Government from a list of names approved by the Council of Public Prosecutors.

The chief prosecutor’s term lasts six years. Chief Prosecutor Kocevski was elected to the post on February 13, 2024.

Photo: MIA Archive