Filipce in Brvenica: “Change starts here” — VMRO will have a single rival

SDSM leader Venko Filipce launched his party’s local-election program in Brvenica on Sunday evening, delivering a direct message to his political rival. “Change starts in Brvenica — VMRO will have a single rival,” Filipce told supporters, as reported by the MIA news agency.

According to Brif, the leader of the Macedonian opposition dwelled at length on accusations of non-transparent government spending. “For a DJ, €5.5 million, while for the citizens, zero — that is the face of this government,” Filipce said, referring to the €5.5 million spent through the State Lottery for the 35th anniversary of independence celebrations, culminating in DJ David Guetta’s concert at the national stadium on September 8.

Filipce called the spending non-transparent and in violation of the Public Procurement Law, demanding full accountability from the government. In his view, at a time when citizens face economic hardship, the huge sums for a one-day concert show the government’s entirely misplaced priorities.

The Brvenica launch is part of SDSM’s campaign for the local elections, where the opposition aims to win back voters’ trust with a focus on transparency and the fight against corruption. As MIA reports, Filipce pledged that his party would offer citizens a credible alternative in every municipality in the country.