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IRL

A national treasure of nature and beauty threatened by powerful private interests in North Macedonia

A national treasure of nature and beauty threatened by powerful private interests in North Macedonia

13.10.2022

IRL reveals for the first time how powerful private interests have endangered one of North Macedonia’s most valuable natural treasures — National Park Mavrovo, home to 1400 different plants and animals, including the rare Balkan lynx. More than a decade ago, the national government gave permission to private companies to build three small hydropower plants in the park, a move that effectively blocked pending legislation that, if approved, would have…

National cultural treasure may be transferred to private hands

National cultural treasure may be transferred to private hands

13.10.2022

The Galicnik Wedding Festival is a key part of the Macedonian cultural heritage, and the old village houses are protected by law and are listed as such by the Ministry of Culture. Yet, there have been attempts to privatize and commercialize these cultural gems. Famously known as the “Groom’s House” — the state-owned “Villa Dosta” — is in danger. In 2016, the agricultural cooperative linked with the house declared bankruptcy…

Macedonian elites illegally build vacation homes on public land

Macedonian elites illegally build vacation homes on public land

13.10.2022

There are few empty lots along the coast of Lake Mavrovo, part of one of North Macedonia’s oldest national parks. Over the past two decades, weekend villas, highrises, and luxury hotels have sprung up across the park,  threatening the natural treasures within. In an attempt to find new land on which to build, the country’s political and business elites stumbled across a small village hidden in the mountainous terrain —…

Macedonian Prosecutor Implicates Former Political Leaders in Money Laundering, Extortion, Illicit Land Deals

Macedonian Prosecutor Implicates Former Political Leaders in Money Laundering, Extortion, Illicit Land Deals

29.01.2019

A wide-ranging corruption investigation by the Macedonian special prosecutor has unearthed new evidence of wrongdoing in dozens of deals by VMRO-DPMNE, the right-wing party that ruled the country between 2006 and 2017. The prosecutor alleged that the party illegally collected at least 4.6 million euros in a money laundering and extortion scheme, accepted illegal donations to construct its lavish “White Palace” headquarters in Skopje, and illegally purchased at least 68…