Transparency International Macedonia continues to implement its regular monthly activity of monitoring cases and actions related to corrupt behavior and the fight against corruption, which we have called “Light & Dark.”
The monitoring of these cases has received strong interest, both from the public and from domestic and international stakeholders, and over time it has grown into a relevant indicator of corruption and of the state’s willingness to address this problem. In this way, together we all contribute to greater awareness of this issue in society as a whole.
This annual Report is an overview of all twelve editions of “Light & Dark” that were published during the past year, 2025.
In the past year, we can say with certainty that it was marked by the catastrophic fire at the “Pulse” nightclub in Kochani and all the subsequent corrupt practices that were uncovered as a consequence of it. Institutional failures, a breakdown of the prevention system, and a lack of collective awareness of the seriousness of the consequences caused by corruption starting from the lowest levels of the state administration came to light. The opening of the investigation and the filing of the indictment were carried out within the legally prescribed timeframe, but the real “battle” in the pursuit of justice will take place in the court proceedings that lie ahead.
The developments in the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption, marked by the filing of an indictment against its then President for the disclosure of official secrets, have raised the question of the institution’s credibility.
The filing of the indictment in the “Oncology” case also did not went unnoticed, as it sparked public suspicion regarding the functioning of the entire healthcare system in our country. The healthcare sector was once again at the center of events this year when a commission appointed by the Ministry of Health revealed that, out of a total of 19 reviewed cases of cardiac surgery procedures, nearly half were assessed as unnecessary. The reaction of the health authorities followed earlier warnings that unnecessary operations were being performed in private clinics for profit.
It is of utmost importance to note that the long-awaited new Criminal Code was not adopted in the past year either. The scandalous amendments to the Criminal Code adopted in 2023 caused serious damage to high-profile corruption investigations and court cases, a problem that continues to deepen due to the failure to adopt a new Criminal Code.
As expected and of significance, it should be noted that in almost every edition of “Light & Dark,” events were recorded in the form of audits conducted and published by the State Audit Office. These included unfavorable audit findings and identified systemic weaknesses in the functioning of institutions.
To the detriment of citizens, and due to a lack of political will, the institution of the Ombudsman, which is tasked with safeguarding the constitutional and legal rights of citizens, remains “headless.” This attitude toward an institution whose primary role is the protection of human freedoms and rights and which also serves as a mechanism for oversight and monitoring of the lawful operation of institutions is both concerning and inappropriate.
This year’s overview of events reveals multiple cases involving the giving or receiving of bribes, such as: an investigative procedure against the former Director of the Government’s Service for General and Common Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia; a bribe requested for a permit for a project to build apartment units in Mavrovo and Rostushe; as well as bribes for the preparation of documentation for alleged examinations, inspections, and reports for the granting of disability pensions and care allowances. It also includes the bribery of the Director of the Geriatrics Clinic to admit an immobile person, the case involving the Director of the Agency for Financial Support in Agriculture and Rural Development, and a former State Attorney who accepted €50,000 to influence a judge at the Court of Appeal.
Although overshadowed by the so-called “dark” events, the “light” events were not absent.
In the spirit of last year’s Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, which emphasizes the need for urgent action against corruption and warns of a critical global obstacle to the implementation of effective climate protection and climate change measures, civil society organizations in our country that work in the fields of environmental protection, climate change, and global warming were particularly active and vocal over the past year. They contributed to increased public awareness and broader social dialogue on these issues. Such activities led to a decision by the Skopje City Council to relocate one of the largest polluters in Skopje, the “USJE” cement plant, following a proposal by “Green Humane City.”
A positive step was also the introduction of a software system by the Administrative Court to establish a digital connection with all public institutions as well as with the Higher Administrative Court, directly contributing to a more efficient and faster functioning of the judicial system.
Finally, one of the “clear” events is dedicated to youth. Seven young students from Macedonia are the creators of an educational electronic game, “Grey Zone”, aimed at high school students, designed to raise awareness about corruption and the consequences of unethical decisions.
Annual Report of all twelve editions of “Light & Dark” that were published during 2025 can be seen on the following link Corruption Barometer 2025
