A scandal involving VMRO-DPMNE and the construction of a market in Negotino has emerged, raising suspicions of misuse of public funds. SDSM’s organizational secretary, Martin Kostovski, presented what he described as concrete evidence of wasteful and potentially criminal spending related to the project.

Kostovski focused on a contract for the market, labeled as ‘urban equipment,’ awarded to MASTEPH DOOEL, a company he identified as favored by VMRO-DPMNE. The contract’s total value is approximately 420,000 euros.

A key point of contention is the cost of roofing work outlined in the contract. Kostovski highlighted an item stating that the purchase and installation of one square meter of roofing sandwich panel was billed at 10,000 denars. He questioned the justification for such a high price, suggesting it was exorbitant.

Kostovski stated that the actual market price for a square meter of high-quality, 5 cm thick sandwich panel is around 1,000 denars. Factoring in labor costs of approximately 1,000 denars per square meter, the total cost should be around 2,000 denars, according to Kostovski.

This discrepancy means a difference of 8,000 denars, or 130 euros, per square meter, which for a total of 440 square meters results in a difference of 60,000 euros just for the roof. Kostovski alleged that this difference represents theft.

Kostovski asserted that VMRO-DPMNE municipalities conduct tenders with prices five times higher than market value. SDSM is calling for an immediate investigation into the matter by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption. He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency for citizens.