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Corruption 🏛️

Water Quality Scandal Deepens, Accused Flees Amid New Corruption Allegations

North Macedonia is grappling with a deepening water quality scandal as allegations surfaced that water issues were concealed during former Health Minister Venko Filipce's time in office. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has urgently called for prosecution in the matter, further stating that new bacteria have been found in Gostivar's undrinkable water, escalating a persistent crisis.

Adding to concerns over governance, an accused owner in a 1.7 million euro public procurement abuse case has fled the country after a court in Struga returned his passport. Meanwhile, former Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska has alleged that the government intends to launder money through the 'Skopje 2028' project, drawing parallels to 'Skopje 2014'.

Amidst these developments, the government has approved the employment of 300 private specialists in public healthcare to bolster the sector, and Prime Minister Mickoski has expressed optimism for a reduction in fuel prices next week.

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Water Quality Scandal and Political Fallout

Allegations have emerged that water quality issues were concealed during former Health Minister Venko Filipce's tenure, leading Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski to urgently request prosecution. Concurrently, Prime Minister Mickoski confirmed the presence of a new type of bacteria rendering Gostivar's water undrinkable, highlighting ongoing public health concerns.

Corruption Allegations and Accused's Flight

The accused owner of 'Markovski Company' has fled North Macedonia after a court in Struga returned his passport. He faces charges related to abuse in a 1.7 million euro public procurement for relocating power supply stations. Separately, former Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska has accused the government of intending to launder money through the 'Skopje 2028' project, drawing comparisons to alleged practices in 'Skopje 2014'.

Healthcare Reforms and Policy Changes

The government has approved the employment of 300 private specialists in public healthcare, aiming to strengthen the sector. Additionally, the Ministry of Health has recommended the cancellation of unnecessary controls for determining permanent disability, citing maltreatment during the assessment process.

Political Commentary and Appointments

Permanent Representative to the UN Ljubomir Frckoski has strongly criticized VMRO-DPMNE, labeling the party as traitors to Macedonian national interests. In other political news, Arben Fetai, former Deputy Prime Minister for Good Governance, has been appointed as a special envoy to the European Union in Brussels.

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