North Macedonia Discloses €5.5 million Cost of Independence Day Festivities
The government revealed that the 35th-anniversary celebrations cost €5.5 million, with almost €4.9 million drawn from the State Lottery and the remainder from private sponsors.
North Macedonia’s government announced that the series of events marking the 35th anniversary of its independence cost €5.5 million in total. Almost €4.9 million came from the State Lottery, which the government, as sole shareholder, directed to allocate its undistributed 2024 profits for the celebrations. An additional €650,000 was provided by companies described as socially responsible.
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski insisted the spending did not touch the state budget or citizens’ wallets. The funding scheme was criticized for opacity after a BIRN Macedonia report highlighted the government's refusal to disclose details. Production company Avalon, hired by the Lottery, apologized for a heated exchange with reporters about the undisclosed cost of DJ David Guetta’s contract. The program also featured performances by José Carreras, Steve Aoki, Paul van Dyk and Paul Oakenfold.
Why it matters
It shows how public funds are sourced for national celebrations and raises questions about fiscal transparency.
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