Levica has fiercely criticized VMRO-DPMNE and SDSM following the acquittal of former PM Gruevski in Thaler 2 case. In a press release, it says that the decision acquitting the former VMRO-DPMNE leader is a direct consequence of the Criminal Code changes that the two parties jointly voted through in 2023.
Prosecutor Kristijan Smilevski has told Telma that once the verdict is received in writing, the Office will decide whether to lodge an appeal. The deadline to draft a written verdict in a complex case is up to 60 days. The statute of limitations over the case will expire in 47 days if there is no effective verdict. An effective verdict is also required to unfreeze the assets of VMRO-DPMNE.
Former Prosecutor Lenche Ristoska, too, has fiercely criticized the verdict. She says she suspects she was removed from the case in order for VMRO-DPMNE to be able to save its assets.