Transparency International Macedonia continues to carry out its regular monthly activities for monitoring cases and activities related to corrupt behavior and the fight against corruption, which we’ve named “Light & Dark”
The monitoring of these cases has received significant attention, both in the public sphere and among relevant domestic and foreign stakeholders. Over time, it has evolved into a relevant indicator for measuring corruption and assessing the government’s willingness to address this issue. In this way, we all contribute to a greater awareness of this problem in society.
This Annual Report is an overview of all twelve editions of “Light & Dark” published in 2024.
In this annual edition, it is important to note that in every edition of “Light & Dark” occurrences the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption and the State Audit Office were the most active.
As institutions that actively advocate for the reduction of corruption, analyzing this barometer, we can point out that with their actions, they continue to continuously point out irregularities in the field of their actions. According to the National Integrity System[1], a survey conducted by Transparency International Macedonia, these two institutions are ranked first and second with the highest ratings. The State Audit Office publishes comprehensive reports on the operation of our institutions and points out the shortcomings in the functioning and implementation of policies and activities.
The year 2024 was an election year, and for that reason, electoral irregularities did not pass us by. The greatest attention was drawn to the proceedings between the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (SCPC) and the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors. The Administrative Court issued a ruling to halt the candidate selection process during the election period. Following this, the SCPC initiated proceedings to determine the accountability of the director and the Governing Board of the Academy for Judges and Public Prosecutors. The SCPC initiated 65 cases involving violations of the Electoral Code and the Law on the Prevention of Corruption related to the 2024 election campaign.
The Academy remained in the public eye, notably due to a search conducted on its premises and a subsequent decision by the Governing Board to hold a secret vote for the selection of a new director. Additionally, the SCPC determined that the appointment of four new members to the Governing Board of the Academy was unlawful.
A significant public reaction was sparked by the case involving Supreme Court Judge Nakje Georgiev and former Ombudsman Idzet Memeti, who reached a plea agreement with the prosecution regarding charges of bribery.
This year, too, the U.S. State Department’s “Blacklist” did not fail to make an impact. The list included former high-ranking officials as well as individuals directly involved in the justice system. This serves as a key indicator of the ongoing decline in public trust in the judiciary. Fortunately, Macedonian authorities recognized signs of potential corruption and abuse of office, resulting in cases being opened against former Deputy Prime Minister Grubi and Appellate Judge Bedzeti.
Civil society organizations were also active throughout the past year, frequently addressing issues faced by citizens, proposing legal changes, and advocating for transparency and accountability in institutions.
Although overshadowed by so-called dark events, there were also clear and positive developments.
Following public reactions, the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption launched a preliminary investigation into a judge accused of falsifying grades at Tetovo University. Such investigations always spark public interest, especially as citizens await their outcomes.
Although less frequently, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Skopje initiated proceedings against the organizational director of the Toxicology Clinic, based on an SCPC initiative. The public has often criticized the fact that SCPC initiatives rarely result in formal charges.
The Association of Journalists of Macedonia filed a complaint against a judge from the Bitola court for misconduct, accusing her of confiscating phones and cameras from journalists. The media plays a crucial role in combating corruption, and their efforts are consistently met with positive public reactions.
It is worth mentioning perhaps adopting as an example for other institutions, the amendments to the Rules of Procedure of the Supreme Court, which opened general sessions to the public and the media. The proposed amendments are based on constitutional and legal principles of judicial transparency, the highest international legal norms incorporated into domestic legislation, the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights, the standards of the European Court of Human Rights, international documents in the field of judiciary, and the initiatives and activities of the Council for Open Judiciary.
Annual Report of all twelve editions of “Light & Dark” published in 2024 can be seen on the following file:
