Following the rise in the trade union basket, SDSM calls for a €600 minimum wage

SDSM is calling on Parliament to approve the proposal to raise the minimum wage to €600, arguing that the minimum trade union basket for September has approached 90,000 denars for families paying rent.

According to data from the Federation of Trade Unions, cited by the party, the value of the minimum basket increased by around 800 denars in one month, while spending on food and beverages alone amounts to approximately 25,000 denars.

SDSM believes that citizens’ incomes are not keeping pace with the rising cost of living. The party stresses that the average wage is not enough to cover the entire basket, while the minimum wage remains significantly lower than the amount required for basic monthly expenses.

In its statement, SDSM also addresses the situation of pensioners, students and farmers. Regarding pensioners, the party considers the flat increase of 1,000 denars insufficient.

According to SDSM, students face additional financial burdens in larger cities, where rent, utility bills and transport weigh heavily on their monthly budgets.

Meanwhile, farmers are facing rising costs for fuel, machinery and fertilizers, while their products continue to be purchased at low prices, the party claims.

SDSM also reiterates measures it previously proposed: abolishing the excise duty on fuel, reducing VAT on energy products to 5 percent and raising the minimum wage to €600.