Several online media outlets have published an article claiming that Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci stated that 239 million euros were invested in weapons systems this year.
After fact-checking conducted by hibrid.info, it has been confirmed that the claim made by some media outlets is not accurate.
Through a post on his Facebook account, the Minister of Defense compared the investments of the previous government with the current one in weapons systems, explaining that 239 million euros were invested during the current government's mandate.
Links to articles published in several online media:
https://lajmi.net/maqedonci-239-milione-euro-kete-vit-u-shpenzuan-ne-sisteme-te-armatimit/
The Macedonian explained that the previous government had invested less than 4 million euros in weapons systems, compared to 239 million euros in investments made during the current mandate. (see here)
So, it is not about an investment of 239 million euros over one year, as claimed by some online media.
Excerpt from the Minister of Defense's Facebook post:
At the same time, we have invested in increasing combat capabilities through the purchase of weapons systems. With a budget that has increased by 38% compared to 2022, 28% more has been invested in the purchase of weapons. While compared to the previous government, from less than 4 million that were invested, now in this mandate we have invested 239 million euros and of course Bayraktar drones are just one of the types of modern weapons systems that we now have at our disposal
In addition, Macedonia had announced days earlier that during 2023, the budget allocated to the army was 204 million euros. (see here)
Analyze:
Some online media outlets have erroneously reported that Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci has stated that 239 million euros have been invested in weapons systems this year.
After verifying the facts, hibrid.info has confirmed that the Macedonian had stated that during this government mandate, 239 million euros were invested in weapons systems, compared to less than 4 million that were invested with the previous government.
Based on its work methodology, hibrid.info evaluates the article published by several online media as "Mistake".
Reasoning:
The "Error" rating is given to media reports in which the media editorial staff made a mistake by publishing incorrect information or broadcasting unverified news from another source, without the clear intention of misinforming the public.