LSDM and VMRO-DPMNE trade mutual accusations over the course of economic growth

A fierce debate has unfolded between LSDM and VMRO-DPMNE over the state of the economy and expectations for growth in North Macedonia.

According to LSDM, the Government has misled the public with its statements on economic growth. The opposition referred to projections by the International Monetary Fund, which foresee North Macedonia’s economy posting average growth of 3% over the next five years.

LSDM believes that this pace will leave the country behind other states in the region. It also cites the decline in foreign investment, the contraction of industrial production, and the increase in public debt as negative indicators.

“Ahead of Macedonia are Albania with 3.19%, Serbia with 3.5%, Moldova, Ukraine and Kosovo with 3.95%. This is the reality and the truth. Everything else was political lies. In the end, citizens know this and feel it best through their empty wallets and empty refrigerators,” said Natasha Popoviq of LSDM.

On the other hand, VMRO-DPMNE denied these claims, calling them manipulation. According to the ruling party, the International Monetary Fund’s assessments are only forecasts, while the Government is implementing investments, infrastructure projects and policies that, it says, are already delivering results.

MP Bojan Stojanoski said inflation in June fell to 3.4%, while food and non-alcoholic beverage prices have stabilized as a result of the measures taken during the energy crisis.

“The successful implementation of the government’s measures for the energy crisis was also confirmed in a timely manner by the IMF, which stressed that Macedonia is among the top three countries for the measures undertaken to soften the shock of fuel prices,” said Bojan Stojanovski of VMRO-DPMNE.

While LSDM argues that the Government’s economic policies have worsened living standards and calls for a different approach to managing the economy, VMRO-DPMNE defends the position that the economy is making progress and that citizens’ standard of living will improve through investment and the responsible management of public finances.