SDSM: SCPC probe into possible conflict of interest is not an investigation of €5.5 million embezzlement

SDSM says the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption's (SCPC) decision to open a case about a possible conflict of interest involving one person is not the same as an investigation into an alleged €5.5 million embezzlement tied to the state celebration of 35 years of independence.

The opposition party insists that the possible conflict of interest — a member of the selection committee who later participated as a performer — is only one part of the story and is calling on the Public Prosecutor's Office to open a full probe, secure all documentation and follow the money trail.

"Therefore the Public Prosecutor's Office must immediately open a case, secure all documentation, trace the flow of funds and determine how decisions were made. Where is the decision of the Lottery shareholders' meeting that must exist by law? Which body approved the spending of over 300 million denars? At which session was the decision taken, who voted for it and on the basis of which law?" the party asked in its statement.

Questions about contracts, payments and taxes

SDSM repeated figures and allegations that have circulated publicly: that the celebration costed 5.5 million euros, that documents, contracts, annexes, payments and invoices are being hidden, and that it is unclear whether taxes were paid. The statement lists specific questions about the tender, the fees for international and domestic performers and the destination of ticket revenue.

Among the issues SDSM demands resolved are how a public call lasted only five working days, why only one bid arrived and how within three days a performance by David Guetta was announced; how much Guetta's fee was, when and by whom it was contracted and when it was paid; how much Stardust (Avalon) earned and how payments were made while the company allegedly had a blocked account; and whether taxes on these revenues were paid. The party also asked where approximately 1.75 million denars from sold tickets went and whether tax was paid on those receipts.

The SCPC has, so far, opened a case only for a possible conflict of interest concerning one person — composer and producer Nikolche Micevski — who reportedly served on the external commission that approved the single bid submitted for the event and later took part in the programme. SCPC President Adem Čučulj has said the commission is reviewing other aspects of the celebration but that no separate cases have been opened on those issues yet.

Photo: press material from the event