The ruling party VMRO-DPMNE launched sharp criticism against SDSM's Venko Filipce, accusing him of acting under the direct orders of former Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and holding meetings with controversial figures linked to corruption scandals.

In a press conference, VMRO-DPMNE officials presented what they described as evidence of Filipce's connections to individuals under investigation or previously convicted of corruption-related offenses. The party claimed these meetings demonstrate that SDSM's leadership remains under Zaev's shadow influence.

Filipce dismissed the accusations as a politically motivated smear campaign designed to distract from the government's own failures. He challenged VMRO-DPMNE to present their evidence to prosecutors if they believe any laws were broken.

The exchange is the latest in an escalating war of words between the ruling and opposition parties ahead of what is expected to be a contentious political season. Political analysts noted that such attacks are typical of the Macedonian political landscape, where personal accusations often overshadow substantive policy debate.