DUI: The Skopje-Blace Project Was Prepared and Financed During Our Time in Government, Official Documents Show

DUI says official documents refute claims that the Skopje-Blace highway is an initiative of the current government. According to the party, concrete steps to design the project, secure financing and carry out tender procedures were taken while it was in government.

One piece of evidence cited is the Law on the State Guarantee for Loan Obligations, which was intended to finance the TEN-T project for the highway linking Skopje to the Kosovo border. The law was adopted by Parliament on June 27, 2022.

DUI emphasizes that the official document was signed by then-President Stevo Pendarovski and Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi. According to the party, this shows that the main foundations of the project were laid during its time in government, including the design, financing guarantees and tender procedures. DUI says these facts contradict any attempt to portray the Skopje-Blace highway as a project launched from scratch by the current government.

“What has the current government done beyond the preparations and guarantees made earlier?” DUI asked, calling for the publication of all documents related to the project’s design, financing, tendering and implementation. The party clarified that it is not opposed to the construction of the Skopje-Blace highway, but wants it to be completed as soon as possible, in the interests of citizens and North Macedonia’s strategic connection with Kosovo.