The judicial system in North Macedonia is currently in turmoil as the government led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski moves to dismiss Chief Prosecutor Lupčo Kocevski. This decision comes amid allegations of mismanagement and legal violations that have reportedly harmed the country’s justice ratings.
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Mickoski’s government initiates dismissal proceedings against Chief Prosecutor Kocevski.
- Allegations include negative impacts on justice ratings and legal violations.
- The Public Prosecutors’ Council supports Kocevski, asserting his actions were legal.
- A parliamentary vote is required for Kocevski’s dismissal, needing 61 votes for approval.
Background of the Crisis
The crisis within North Macedonia’s judicial system has escalated, with Prime Minister Mickoski accusing Chief Prosecutor Kocevski of acting beyond his authority. The government claims that Kocevski’s decisions have led to a decline in the country’s scores on the Transparency Index, raising concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.
Government’s Accusations
The government has specifically pointed to Kocevski’s appointment of Natasha Kollevska as Acting Head of the High Public Prosecutor’s Office as a key issue. Following the suspension of Mustafa Hajrullahu, Kocevski’s decision has been labeled as unlawful by the government. In response, Kocevski has defended his actions, stating that he appointed a temporary supervisor rather than an acting leader, asserting that his decisions were within legal bounds.
Statements from Key Figures
- Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski: "The Prosecutors’ Council now has two weeks to assess whether the dismissal request has a legal basis."
- Chief Prosecutor Lupčo Kocevski: "I believe the government did not have all the relevant and accurate information regarding my decisions."
- Dušica Dimitrieska, Chairwoman of the Public Prosecutors’ Council: "There is a legal basis for such a decision. This Prosecutor’s Office must have a public prosecutor leading the institution—it must have an authorized signatory."
The Path Forward
The process for dismissing a Chief Prosecutor in North Macedonia is complex and requires a parliamentary vote. Historically, such dismissals are rare; the last instance occurred in 2017 when Marko Zvërlevski was removed due to his connections with the VMRO-DPMNE party. The current situation remains fluid, with the Prosecutors’ Council and Parliament expected to make critical decisions in the coming weeks regarding Kocevski’s future.
Conclusion
As North Macedonia grapples with this judicial crisis, the implications for the rule of law and public trust in the judicial system are significant. The outcome of the proceedings against Chief Prosecutor Kocevski will likely have lasting effects on the country’s legal landscape and its international standing regarding judicial integrity.
