SDSM opposes the draft changes to the Law on Public Procurement, which party leader Filipche claims will diminish oversight over public spending and open the door to questionable non-tender contracts.
On Tuesday, he pointed out that the changes were raising the thresholds for non-tender procurements from 5,000 to 10,000 euros for construction works, as well as from 1,000 to 2,000 euros for goods. According to him, that will allow officials to spend larger sums without adequate oversight and accountability.
SDSM has submitted 2,000 amendments aimed at blocking the adoption of the legislative changes. Filipche accused the government of trying to circumvent the blockade by withdrawing only the provisions concerning the terms of commission members.
The same day, SDSM MP Lukarevska proposed that the draft changes be removed from the Parliament’s agenda. However, the majority rejected her proposal.