Lottery Damages Soar, PM Unveils US Tech Investment Talks
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The ongoing 'Lottery' corruption case has escalated, with the prosecution now alleging damages exceeding 9.7 million euros. This development comes as Perparim Bajrami, the former director of the State Lottery, who was previously a fugitive, maintains his innocence regarding the accusations. The case continues to draw public attention amid broader anti-corruption efforts.
On the economic and diplomatic front, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski announced that North Macedonia is a top US priority in the region, revealing talks with the US DFC for substantial investments in energy, infrastructure, and high technology, including plans for a gas pipeline, new power plants, and AI development. This push for technological advancement is highlighted by a local critique noting the country's slow progress in the AI race compared to neighboring nations.
Meanwhile, local governance is addressing environmental concerns, with Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgjievski introducing a new reward system for citizens who report illegal waste dumping. Separately, the Mayor's official Facebook page was temporarily blocked due to content related to landfills and alleged discrimination. In a cultural highlight, the 47th 'Brothers Manaki' International Film Festival has opened in Bitola, showcasing cinematic achievements domestically.