A member of the Executive Board of SDSM, Lolita Ristova, has accused authorities of constructing a market in Negotino without proper building approval. Ristova claims the structure is being treated as mere “urban equipment” despite its substantial size and weight.

Speaking at a press conference, Ristova questioned the classification of the market, which she says consists of 17 tons of iron built on a 420m2 concrete base, housing 90 stalls, as simple urban equipment. She raised concerns about why proper building approval procedures were allegedly bypassed, particularly regarding the building’s statics and overall safety.

Ristova also voiced financial concerns regarding the project. She identified MASTEF DOOEL, a company allegedly favored by VMRO-DPMNE, as the project’s contractor. According to Ristova, the company frequently secures tenders in municipalities controlled by VMRO-DPMNE, often funded by a Hungarian loan. She stated that the project’s estimated value is 25,960,000 denars, with the contract awarded for nearly the same amount – 25,914,000 denars.

Ristova criticized the alleged lack of competition and price reduction in the tendering process. She promised to provide further details in the coming days regarding the amount of public funds spent on the project and whether the figures are accurate. Ristova suggested that if these allegations are confirmed, it would constitute another criminal act in a series of suspicious tenders involving VMRO-DPMNE.