The opposition Social Democrats, SDSM, accused the government on Thursday of attempting to silence critics while protecting Alta Banka Bitola, the local subsidiary of Serbia’s failed Alta Banka. This confrontation erupted after North Macedonia’s National Bank filed criminal complaints against four senior SDSM officials for their public statements regarding the bank’s condition. Party leader Venko Filipce claimed these legal actions were designed to pressure the party, accusing Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of acting "in a panic to protect Alta Banka." Filipce stated his party would file its own complaints concerning the bank’s 2025 market entry and its handling of public funds.
Legal Pressure and Political Rhetoric
Mickoski called on November 5 for prosecutors to investigate the SDSM for the "criminal offence of sabotage," alleging the party spread lies and created unjustified fear among citizens. The National Bank confirmed it filed complaints over statements containing "serious and unfounded accusations" about the subsidiary, though it did not specify the exact offences. Central Bank Governor Trajko Slaveski insisted in parliament that Alta Banka Bitola remained financially sound and should be offered to another buyer. He refused to disclose how many corporate clients hold accounts with the bank, citing "banking secret." Chief Public Prosecutor Nenad Saveski also declined to confirm whether an initial investigation had opened, labeling that information confidential as well.
Financial Exposure and Market Reality
Serbia’s central bank revoked Alta Banka’s operating licence on October 31 due to deteriorating financial position, triggering bankruptcy proceedings. North Macedonia’s central bank placed the subsidiary under temporary administration on November 1 to protect assets and depositors while ownership issues are resolved. This move restricted customer access to funds, causing queues at ATMs and significant concern among savers. Filipce alleged links between the bank’s owner, Davor Macura, and Serbian ex-President Aleksandar Vucic’s circles, suspecting money laundering involving Russian capital. He claimed 150 to 180 million euros could be at stake, questioning if pensioners could access their money. Despite this storm, the bank is a minor player, ranking 12th among 14 banks with 11.3 billion denars in assets, or just 1.21 per cent of the market.
