The €37 Million Helicopter Deal: An Actual Case File, or Just a Press Release
SDSM leader Venko Filipche disclosed suspicion of a €37 million crime linked to a helicopter contract signed by former minister Slavjanka Petrovska, with VMRO-DPMNE immediately calling on prosecutors to open a case.
SDSM leader Venko Filipche disclosed suspicion of a €37 million crime linked to a helicopter procurement contract, a document signed by former defense minister Slavjanka Petrovska. Filipche made the information public without first filing a formal complaint with the relevant authorities.
VMRO-DPMNE reacted immediately through Petrushevski, calling on Filipche to explain why he stayed silent about the suspicions and why he disclosed them now rather than earlier through an official channel. At the same time, the ruling party called on the Public Prosecution to open a case based on Filipche's own claims, with some reactions also raising the question of whether the opposition should be "encouraged" to expose similar cases within its own ranks.
The key open question is whether this marks the start of a formal investigation backed by documents and evidence, or merely an exchange of political press statements aimed at shifting attention. Prosecutors have not yet said whether or when they will open a formal case based on the disclosed allegations.
MKNews Hub · Macedonia · October 4, 2026
