Press release: Minister for Europe statement on recent developments in Macedonia

Following reports that President Ivanov has pardoned individuals currently being investigated over abuse of power allegations, Minister for Europe the Rt Hon David Lidington MP said:

The President’s decision on 12 April, to pardon those individuals currently being investigated over allegations of abuse, is a matter of considerable concern. This decision protects those officials and former ministers accused of corruption and denies justice to the people of Macedonia. The wiretap allegations last year raised serious questions about the rule of law and the credibility of elections. These allegations must be fully investigated according to due legal process, so Macedonia can find a sustainable resolution to the ongoing political crisis. I urge the President of Macedonia to find a way to reverse the decision.

Macedonia is due to have elections on 5 June. We are concerned at the state of readiness for early elections, with lack of clarity on the Voters’ List, no progress on media reform and reports of intimidation. We hope that any public demonstrations will be conducted without recourse to violence.

I spoke to the President of governing party VMRO, Nikola Gruevski on 13 April to make clear our concerns and to call for action.

Further information

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