“Bugs” on every collar: Who is Listening In On PM Gruevski’s and His Minister’s, and Why ?

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Since the Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski started his campaign around the country, greeting and meeting citizens, he is constantly making new promises, however it is not the only thing which is constant. In fact, at all events, without exception, Prime Minister, party officials and senior members of the Government (Vladimir Pesevski, Nikola Todorov and Zoran Stavreski) all have new fashion accessories, they are all wearing a wireless microphone or what is widely known as a “Bug”.

With it, every word is being recorded (or just transmitted). There has been no response to why they are recording (or transmitting) conversations with citizens and government officials. The question here is whether the material will be used for government propaganda videos ahead of early elections or just for party archives?

Thus, at recent events, the Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski wore a “bug” at the following places:

  • At a working visit to Makedonski Brod, where he inspected progress at several projects by the Government, as well as several projects which have been completed recently

  • The construction of the foundation stone of the “ODV Electric” building of in the technology area of Ohrid-Struga

  • The opening of the two tennis courts in the sports and recreation centre “Shetalishte” in Bitola

  • The ceremony for the construction of a sports hall in the municipality “Shuto Orizari” where he placed the first cornerstone

  • Visiting the municipality Sopiste

Even Vladimir Peshevski, was “bugged” during his visit to Petrovac and to a working visit to the municipality of Ilinden, and then Nikola Todorov whilst visiting the village of Gorno Aglarci and a cornerstone ceremony of a new clinic in Miladinovtsi in the municipality of Ilinden.

Although there is nothing wrong in wearing these little “bugs” confirms analyst Petar Arosovski, however the only problem could be an ethical problem regarding the interference of the state and the party.

“Wearing a wireless microphone could be for two reasons. For technical reasons – for better sound quality for television that maybe transmitting an event, or for a better sound campaign that would be done before the early parliamentary elections. There is no ethical dilemma here, it’s a matter of personal choice of people in service in public relations”, said Mr Arsovski.