Construction of a luxury hotel, backed by former UBK director Saso Mijalkov, is underway on the shore of Lake Ohrid in the Gorica 3 area, sparking controversy and accusations from the Levica political party. The project has raised concerns about environmental impact and alleged legal violations.

Levica claims the hotel is being built in a critical zone where urbanization should be halted until proper planning documents are in place to protect natural resources. The party alleges that an environmental impact assessment, required for a building permit, was never prepared for the hotel. They criticize Ohrid Mayor Kiril Pecakov for allegedly prioritizing the interests of local construction figures and remaining silent on the issue.

Levica further asserts that Mijalkov acquired 15,000 square meters of state land in a prime location in Ohrid through a questionably adopted urban plan that has not been revised to comply with the region’s heritage management plan. They call for accountability from Prime Minister Mickoski, questioning whether Mijalkov, a former member of VMRO-DPMNE who allegedly amassed wealth during their rule and received amnesty under SDS, will be held responsible. The party accuses Mayor Pecakov of failing to amend the urban plan for Gorica 3, which they believe would prevent the ongoing degradation of the Ohrid coast. Levica urges the government to start holding accountable their former high-ranking official, suggesting he has been protected by the combined interests of VMRO-DPMNE and SDS.