14. One Law for All: Ending Legal Immunity for Macedonian Politicians

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.

There is no greater insult to democracy than a lawmaker who is above the law. Yet in Macedonia, legal immunity has been used for decades as a political shield—protecting corrupt politicians from investigation, prosecution, and accountability. It’s a system designed not to serve the people, but to protect the powerful from the consequences of their own actions.

This is not justice. It is privilege. And it must end.

What Is Legal Immunity—And How Is It Abused?

Legal immunity was originally designed to protect members of parliament from political persecution. But in Macedonia, it has been twisted into a license for impunity. Politicians hide behind their immunity to avoid investigation for bribery, embezzlement, abuse of office, and organized crime.

In practice, this means that if a politician is caught red-handed in corruption, the police and prosecutors cannot act unless parliament itself votes to lift that person’s immunity.

Guess how often that happens? Almost never.

Immunity Has Become a Political Bargaining Chip

MPs vote to protect their allies, delay investigations, and strike backroom deals. It’s a culture of mutual protection where party loyalty trumps public duty. The message it sends is clear: if you have enough power, you’ll never be held accountable.

This has poisoned public trust. Citizens no longer believe in equality before the law—and for good reason.

Time for a Constitutional Reset

Macedonia must amend its constitution and legal framework to eliminate or severely restrict immunity for politicians—especially in cases involving:

• Corruption and financial crime

• Abuse of public office

• Obstruction of justice

MPs should retain protection for legitimate speech and votes inside parliament, but not for criminal behavior. When a public servant steals from the people, they must face the same legal consequences as any ordinary citizen.

No special treatment. No sacred cows.

Investigate First, Vote Never

Prosecutors should not have to ask parliament for permission to do their job. The judiciary must have full independence to investigate and indict anyone, regardless of their title.

Immunity should never be a veto over justice. Politicians must be accountable to the courts, not protected by their colleagues.

What Accountability Looks Like

Ending immunity doesn’t just clean up politics—it sets a new national standard. It says to the people: your leaders are not above you—they are subject to the same laws as you. That single message can restore trust, confidence, and participation in democracy.

It can also act as a powerful deterrent. Knowing that power no longer protects them, future leaders may think twice before abusing their office.

A Republic, Not a Royal Court

Macedonia is a democratic republic—not a royal court of untouchable elites. Our leaders are not monarchs. They are servants of the people. And when they betray that trust, they must answer for it in court.

One law. For everyone. Without exception.

That’s the foundation of a just society. Let’s build it now.

Michael Penevski

Co-Founder, Macedonian Citizens Alliance

Michael Penevski holds a Bachelor of Law degree and is an investment banker specializing in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and capital markets. A long-standing critic of political impunity, he has been a vocal advocate for transparency, systemic reform, economic revitalization, and citizen-led governance. Born into a family grounded in Macedonian values, Michael co-founded the Macedonian Citizens Alliance to help build a nation that serves its people - not the privileged few.

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