Government Adopts Kocevski Dismissal Proposal, Procedure Moving to Council of Prosecutors

The Government has adopted the proposal to dismiss Ljupco Kocevski as Chief Prosecutor. The document was prepared by the Justice Ministry after the cabinet had previously tasked it with that, claiming, among other issues, unprofessional work and harmed reputation of the Office.

Now, following the adoption at Tuesday’s session of the cabinet, the procedure will move to the Council of Public Prosecutors, whose President, Dusica Dimitrieska, has already said it will present an opinion (a positive or negative one) within the legal deadline of 15 days.

However, Parliament will have final say, that is, if 61 MPs vote in favour of the dismissal, Kocevski’s term will end. SDSM has said that though it is in favour of judicial reforms, the process to dismiss Kocevski aims at severe particisation of the judiciary.

On the other hand, VMRO-DPMNE has maintained that SDSM defends “the corrupt judiciary and Office”.

PM Hristijan Mickoski stated that he expected the Council of Prosecutors to “listen to the voice of citizens”, adding that he would explain the reasons requesting the dismissal in Parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister for Good Governance Arben Fetai said Kocevski had lost his credibility.

“The rule of law and integrity of institutions are key in a democratic society”, the Deputy PM stated.