SDSM: Mickoski Government Failed to Act on Rising Prices and Falling Living Standards

SDSM says that citizens in Macedonia have been facing continuous price increases for months in shops, markets and elsewhere, while wages have remained stagnant and their well-being has deteriorated. According to the party, the consumer basket, including rent, has risen to nearly 90,000 denars, while the average wage has fallen by 1,163 denars.

The opposition party describes the situation as the result of the Mickoski Government’s misguided and criminal policies, saying it failed to take any measures to protect living standards. SDSM notes that fuel prices increased, with diesel exceeding 100 denars, while the government did not intervene to reduce excise duties or cut VAT from 18% to 5%.

SDSM also says that the promise to raise the minimum wage to 600 euros was not fulfilled and that there were no increases in wages or pensions.

According to the party, under these circumstances, a one-off measure to provide school supplies will not be enough. The statement says parents need higher incomes to enable their children to attend school and to cover food, snacks, clothing and footwear, and other education-related expenses. SDSM concludes that citizens are not the Mickoski Government’s priority; business interests are.