12. Local Government Oversight: Holding Macedonia’s Mayors and Municipalities Accountable

A Note to Our Readers

The Macedonian Citizens Alliance is an independent, non-partisan platform committed to giving citizens a real voice in ending corruption and shaping a just, transparent, and prosperous future for Macedonia. We are not in favour or against any political party. We will support any government or opposition initiative that challenges corruption and promotes integrity and progress, but we will also hold all parties, leaders, and institutions accountable - regardless of affiliation. Macedonia has had enough of division. If you believe that political leaders and public officials should serve the people with honesty and with citizens’ interests as a priority, then support us. Our role is to keep every party, every official, and every institution honest - so that together, we can rebuild trust and create a better country for all.

Corruption doesn't just live in Skopje. It thrives in small towns, villages, and local municipalities across Macedonia—often away from the spotlight, hidden beneath layers of bureaucracy and silence. While national scandals grab headlines, local-level corruption quietly chips away at roads, schools, clinics, and communities.

To rebuild trust in government and stop theft where it begins, we must empower citizens to hold their local leaders accountable—through strong, independent Municipal Oversight Committees.

Why Local Corruption Hurts the Most

When mayors misuse municipal budgets, the consequences are immediate. A promised road is never built. A school remains without heating. A water system breaks down. People see the same businesses winning all the contracts, the same families controlling public jobs, and the same officials living far beyond their declared income.

Yet too often, there’s nowhere to report, no one to investigate, and no mechanism to stop it. That’s why reform must start at the roots.

The Role of Municipal Oversight Committees

Every municipality in Macedonia must establish a legally mandated Oversight Committee, composed of:

• Independent citizens from the local community

• Civil society representatives

• Legal and financial experts (non-partisan)

• A representative from the State Audit Office

These committees would have the authority to:

• Monitor local budgets, tenders, and spending in real time

• Review contracts and procurement processes

• Investigate citizen complaints of abuse or misconduct

• Publicly publish quarterly reports and findings

• Refer cases directly to national anti-corruption bodies

The committees must operate independently of the mayor’s office and be shielded from political pressure or manipulation.

Transparency at the Village and City Level

We also need digital transparency at the local level. Each municipality should maintain an online portal showing:

• Annual budgets and monthly expenditures

• List of all tenders and winners

• Active projects with timelines and costs

• Citizen feedback and oversight committee notes

When citizens can see how their money is spent, they can also spot what’s missing.

Involving the Community

Oversight is not just for experts—it’s for everyone. Local forums, public hearings, and budget consultation sessions should be standard practice. Informed citizens are empowered citizens.

We must especially involve young people and local NGOs to foster a culture of civic responsibility—where residents know they have the right and the responsibility to question authority.

Protecting Local Whistleblowers

Many local whistleblowers face retaliation in tight-knit communities. That’s why it’s critical to extend whistleblower protection laws to the municipal level—with safe reporting mechanisms and consequences for local officials who intimidate or harass.

A Nation of Accountable Communities

If we want national reform, we must start with local action. When municipalities are held accountable, people begin to believe again. When the public can track their taxes, challenge irregularities, and see corrupt officials removed—faith is restored from the ground up.

Let’s build a Macedonia where no village is too small, and no mayor is too powerful to escape accountability.

Dr. Elena Spasovska

Co-Founder & President, Macedonian Citizens Alliance

Dr. Elena Spasovska is expert in peacebuilding, equality, and democratic governance. Macedonian-born and raised, she holds a Bachelor's degree from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, a Master’s degree from the University of Barcelona, and a PhD in International Relations from the University of South Australia. Elena has lectured and contributed to research initiatives at leading Australian universities. Her academic portfolio spans global politics, development, international security, social justice, human trafficking, and post-conflict governance. She brings a rare combination of academic depth and public advocacy, with a clear mission: to confront corruption and restore hope, dignity, and opportunity for all Macedonians.

Macedonian Citizens Alliance

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