Zhernovski demands answers from Mickoski and Slaveski over alleged transfers of over €50 million from Belgrade to Skopje

Andrej Zhernovski, secretary for international cooperation of the Social Democratic Union (SDSM), demanded answers from Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski and National Bank governor Trajko Slaveski over allegations that large sums of money have been moved from Belgrade to Skopje through Alta Bank.

Opposition cites whistleblower tip and regional concerns

Speaking at a press briefing, Zhernovski said he watched Mickoski’s recent television appearance and saw “a frightened politician” who avoided the central question: who enabled Alta Bank’s entry and whether money has been routed from Belgrade via Skopje to Moscow. He also accused the governor and the public prosecutor’s office of remaining silent.

Zhernovski told reporters that the party had received information from whistleblowers suggesting that, after Alta Bank established operations in North Macedonia, some institutions, companies and their employees were verbally pressured to use the bank’s services. “If that is true, and it will be proven if Mickoski does not respond, that means that Macedonia is directly involved in this criminal network with criminal money,” he said.

As a concrete figure, Zhernovski claimed that, according to recent information coming from Serbia and Alta Bank’s Belgrade headquarters, “a staggering over 50 million euros” have been transferred to Alta Bank Macedonia. He urged the prosecution to open an investigation and called on the prime minister and the central bank governor to publicly explain how Alta Bank entered the market.

Zhernovski also framed the silence as part of a broader pattern. He said the government previously remained quiet on other controversial matters and suggested Mickoski should address the origin of those funds immediately rather than wait. The SDSM spokesman said citizens and regional partners alike expect answers.

Photo: SDSM