The U.S. Department of State has publicly designated the former prime minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, its former director of the Department for Security and Counterintelligence and former chief prosecutor in Bosnia and Herzegovina for their involvement in significant corruption.
Former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, former Director Sasho Mijalkov and Gordana Tadic reportedly "undermined the rule of law, democratic institutions and public processes in both countries and eroded the public's faith in their governments," according to an April 11 Department of State news release.
The State Department claimed that during Gruevski's time as prime minister, he used his political influence and power for his own personal benefit, according to the statement. It cites information pointing to Gruevski accepting bribes in return for government contracts, misappropriation of public funds and interference in the country's electoral process to benefit himself and his political party.
Mijalkov was also alleged to have used his political power for his own personal benefit and accepted and solicited bribes in return for government contracts. He was also involved in the interference of electoral processes to benefit himself and his political party, the statement said.
Tadic was accused of using her influence to interfere with the country's judicial processes. The statement describes what it called "credible information" which shows Tadic manipulating cases to protect politicians.
State Department Secretary Ned Price took to Twitter April 11 to declare the intention to remain #UnitedAgainstCorruption.
By making these designations under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Act of 2022, these individuals are made ineligible for entry into the U.S., according to the statement. The status was also extended to their immediate families.
