Cvetanovski: Rising Fuel and Food Prices Burden Household Budgets

Simona Cvetanovski of SDSM said that citizens’ quality of life has deteriorated significantly over the past two years, assessing that most employees cannot afford even basic living necessities.

Referring to Public Revenue Administration data for 2025, she stated that 73% of citizens have monthly incomes below the country’s average salary level.

According to her, approximately half of employees earn between 24,000 and 36,000 denars per month. Cvetanovski stressed that even two salaries at this level, when compared with the minimum consumer basket, are insufficient to cover a family’s basic expenses.

She assessed that wage growth has lagged behind rising product prices, as food, utility services and essential goods continue to become more expensive. Cvetanovski also criticised the Government for not increasing the minimum wage to 600 euros, as SDSM claims.

SDSM warned that the new higher prices of petroleum products are expected to be reflected in food prices as well, further burdening families’ financial situation.

According to the party, the current economic measures have contributed to a decline in living standards and a deterioration in citizens’ economic situation.