Trendafilov: The minimum basket cannot be determined by the government

The publication of the government basket for monthly expenses has prompted a reaction from the Federation of Trade Unions of North Macedonia. The organization stressed that citizens and workers themselves are the ones who know how much income they need to get through the month with dignity and cover their families’ basic needs. According to the federation, no one can decide on behalf of citizens how they should live. SSM President Slobodan Trendafilov said that such a determination cannot be made without the approval of the Economic and Social Council.

Trendafilov explained that it is up to families themselves to assess whether they can live on the government basket. However, he said that the basket also demonstrates the need for wage increases of at least 6,000 denars. With two minimum wages, he said, 6,383 denars remain uncovered to cover the household’s expenses. He added that this strengthens the demands of workers and SSM for an increase in the minimum wage, as well as in other wages.

The SSM chief recalled that since 2011, the Federation of Trade Unions of North Macedonia has calculated the Trade Union Minimum Basket. He emphasized that this basket does not indicate the amount needed to survive, but demonstrates that it is not possible to live even on that level of income.

According to Trendafilov, in September 2025, the Trade Union Minimum Basket amounted to 65,077 denars. In just one year, the minimum monthly amount needed by a family increased by 4,355 denars.