The extradition of former North Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski cannot proceed unless his political asylum in Hungary is revoked, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said, amid mounting opposition criticism over delays in the case.
“Extradition can only be requested if his asylum status in Hungary is withdrawn. Otherwise, any such request would be rejected,” Mickoski said, responding to accusations that authorities are intentionally slowing the process.
Gruevski, who fled to Hungary in 2018 after being sentenced to prison in North Macedonia, was granted political asylum by Budapest, complicating legal efforts for his return.
The issue has gained renewed attention following political developments in Hungary, where incoming Prime Minister Peter Magyar has signaled that his government may no longer offer protection to foreign political figures.
Mickoski, however, said comparisons with other extradition cases involving foreign politicians in Hungary were not applicable, noting that unlike them, Gruevski holds asylum status.
Legal experts say refugee status is typically reviewed every three years, but can also be reassessed earlier through a formal procedure that may take months to conclude, regardless of political statements.
Zsolt Sekeres, a lawyer with the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, said asylum decisions are subject to legal review and are ultimately independent of political pressure. He did not rule out the possibility that Gruevski may have applied for or obtained Hungarian citizenship, which could further complicate extradition.
North Macedonia’s opposition Social Democratic Union (SDSM) has criticized the government for what it describes as unnecessary delays, warning that prolonged procedures could affect the outcome and increase the risk of Gruevski evading justice again.
The party called for greater transparency on the status of the case, noting that other countries have moved more quickly in similar extradition processes.
Analysts say the case remains legally and politically sensitive, as it hinges on decisions taken by Hungarian authorities regarding asylum status, while also reflecting broader tensions between legal procedures and political expectations.