Analysis

Former Macedonian PM seeks asylum in Hungary

The former Macedonian prime minister Nikola Gruevski has sought political asylum in Hungary.

“Over the last few days I have received countless threats to my life. I am in Budapest now, and I have asked for political asylum from the Hungarian authorities,” Mr Gruevski wrote on his Facebook profile. “I will always remain true to the cause of Macedonia. I will never give up.”

Mr Gruevski served as Macedonian prime minister from 2006, and as leader of the VMRO-DPMNE party from 2003 until 2017. Last year, during an investigation knowns as Tank, Mr Gruevski was found guilty of illegally soliciting the secret purchase of a Mercedes worth almost 600,000 euros from former Interior Minister Gordana Jankuloska. He was sentenced to two years in prison. He was meant to present himself to the Macedonian authorities on November 9, but did not show up.

The Hungarian authorities have not yet confirmed his asylum application.