SDSM accuses government of financial mismanagement as debt nears €12 billion

The opposition SDSM has accused the government of poor management of state finances, warning that the debt is approaching €12 billion, amounting to more than 65% of gross domestic product.

According to SDSM spokesperson Keti Shterjova, around €4 billion in new loans have been contracted during Mickoski’s two years in government.

She emphasized that the total debt accumulated by all governments over 35 years of independence amounts to around €8 billion, while Mickoski has borrowed half of that amount in just two years, constituting economic irresponsibility and a dangerous burden for citizens. According to her, public debt is nearing €12 billion, or more than 65% of GDP, while the annual interest paid by the state has increased from €120 million to around €350 million.

Shterjova added that these new loans have brought neither an improvement in the quality of life nor substantial investment in infrastructure.

The government, for its part, described these claims as unfounded, calling on SDSM to account for the liabilities it left during the period when it governed in coalition with the DUI.