Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski published a comparison of economic indicators, according to which GDP and pension growth are currently three times higher than during the period when SDSM and DUI were in power.

According to him, wages are rising faster, while fuel prices, despite the crisis conditions, remain the lowest in the region. Referring to inflation, Mickoski said it stood at 3.4% in June 2026, while in June 2022, under the SDSM-DUI government, it reached 14.7%.

Responding to a question from MP Venko Filipçe, the prime minister also addressed the Hungarian loan. He stressed that Hungary itself had confirmed that the financing was secured on preferential terms.

Mickoski said the country had managed to secure low-cost financing, which, according to him, was the cheapest compared with similar financing obtained by other countries during that period. Half of the amount was used to repay the €500 million Eurobond, while one quarter of the other half is being used by companies through subsidized loans with an interest rate of 1.95%. The remaining €250 million, together with another €250 million, has been allocated to financing municipal projects, including in municipalities where SDSM has several mayors.

He added that he had expected Filipçe to congratulate the country on securing the agreement, which the Hungarian side says was concluded on preferential terms and would require Hungarian citizens to pay an additional €250 million in interest. However, Mickoski accused him of continuing to make statements that are untrue.

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The Energy, Water Services and Municipal Waste Management Services Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia (ERC) has approved a decision to increase the retail prices of petroleum products by an average of 4.55% compared with the decision dated 20 July 2026.

Under the decision, EUROSUPER BS-95 and EUROSUPER BS-98 petrol will each increase by 3.00 denars per liter, while the price of EURODIESEL (D-E V) will rise by 4.50 denars per liter. Extra Light Household Oil (EL-1) will cost 5.00 denars per liter more. The price of M-1 SU fuel oil has been increased by 2.726 denars per kilogram, bringing its price to 48.099 denars per kilogram.

The new maximum prices will take effect on 28 July 2026, starting at 00:01.

EUROSUPER BS-95 motor gasoline will be sold at 93.00 denars per liter, while EUROSUPER BS-98 will cost 95.00 denars per liter.

EURODIESEL BS (D-E V) motor diesel will be priced at 98.50 denars per liter, while Extra Light Fuel Oil 1 (EL-1) will cost 98.00 denars per liter.

The maximum price of M-1 SU fuel oil will be 48.099 denars per kilogram.

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The opposition LSDM claims that the Government borrowed funds from M-NAV, the Lottery and MEPSO in order to repay the loan owed to the Chinese bank.

According to the party, the executive has decided to take out a short-term loan of 7 million euros from Macedonian Navigation.

In its response, LSDM said this move was further clear evidence that there is no money in the budget. The party claims that this is precisely why Hristijan Mickoski has been seeking an alibi for early elections for days. According to LSDM, he was unable to back away from the Government reshuffle, as such a move would amount to a direct admission that the situation is falling apart, so he must now wait for a “favorable moment” to call elections. LSDM added that there have been no results and that the economy is collapsing.

The opposition party alleges that budget funds have been spent on criminal tenders, citing 161 tenders awarded to one company, 52 tenders to another company, 9 million euros for a company with only two employees, and 1.2 million euros allocated through the Post Office to a company close to ZNAM. LSDM said it had submitted reports to the KSHPK, while the Prosecutor’s Office, according to the party, continues to remain silent. The party claims that the Prosecutor’s Office acts in response to Mickoski’s calls, made from the parliamentary rostrum, through the media or directly by telephone.

“It depends on what should be looked into and what should not,” LSDM said, adding that threats against the opposition are broadcast on television, while the releases of Gruevski and Latas, as well as the return of property acquired through crime, including the White Palace, are arranged by telephone. According to the party, this situation can no longer be regarded merely as a liquidity crisis, but as a system in which state funds are used for tenders and public enterprises are then tapped for loans to repay Chinese loans.

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At its latest session, the government gave the green light to the supplemented version of the 2026 Budget Rebalance, integrating the approved amendments. This move allocates new financial resources to women engaged in agricultural activities, as well as direct support for persons affected by domestic and gender-based violence.

The Ministry of Finance announces that the revised proposal, which contains the changes discussed in the parliamentary Finance and Budget Committee, will be submitted to Parliament for final approval. Under this rebalance, total budget revenues are projected to reach 379.5 billion denars, while total expenditures are planned at 425.8 billion denars.

Additional funds have been channeled toward clearly defined priorities: an increase in agricultural subsidies, extra funding for rail transport, promotion of sports activities, and improved conditions for students. At the same time, resources have been secured for vulnerable social groups, including social assistance, advocacy associations, social kitchens, and deinstitutionalization programs, alongside additional resources for the healthcare system.

A central element of this revision is the launch of the national SOS emergency line and the bringing into operation of two new care centers for victims of domestic and gender-based violence. The rebalance also sets a significant rise in capital investments, which reach around 46 billion denars, marking a 14.5% expansion compared to the original budget, while expenditures on goods and services have been reduced.

The budget deficit is projected at 46.3 billion denars, representing 4.1% of the Gross Domestic Product, while economic growth remains estimated at 3.5% for 2026.

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Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Koçoska said that the 2026 budget revision does not stem from difficulties in public finances. According to her, it was designed as a development-oriented document that provides additional funds for capital investment, support for citizens and continued economic growth at a time of heightened uncertainty in global markets, geopolitical risks and price pressures.

Through the changes to the 2026 budget, the Government aims to maintain the stability of public finances and guarantee the regular payment of all the state’s statutory obligations. At the same time, increased funding is planned for capital investment, agriculture, social protection, education, sports and local development.

Dimitrieska-Koçoska stressed that the budget revision ensures the uninterrupted payment of wages, pensions, social benefits and all other state obligations to citizens. She added that, thanks to stable budget revenues and sound public finances, the focus is now shifting to capital investment.

According to the minister, projects currently being implemented in roads, railways, energy, education, healthcare and municipal infrastructure are expected to generate greater economic activity, create new jobs and improve living standards.

During the interview, she explained that the revision represents an adjustment of the budget to new economic circumstances and new statutory obligations. Dimitrieska-Koçoska denied that the move had been prompted by a revenue shortfall or liquidity problems.

The minister explained that the need to revise the budget arose from economic changes recorded during the year. Geopolitical developments, rising energy prices and shifts in international markets have affected some budget projections. Therefore, she said, the Government has a responsibility to adjust these forecasts to the actual situation in a timely manner.

Additional statutory obligations also arose during the same period, mainly as a result of signed collective agreements, while a need also emerged for greater support for agriculture, social protection and municipalities. Dimitrieska-Koçoska emphasized that the main feature of this revision remains its focus on investment, with financial resources allocated to sectors where they can generate the greatest added value for the economy. For this reason, she described it not as a crisis-driven revision, but as a development-oriented one.

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The register includes 2,007 legal entities, 66 more than on the previous list. The number of individuals stands at 3,149, representing an increase of 32 debtors.

The recorded liabilities became due for payment by March 31, 2026, and remained unpaid as of June 30, 2026. They relate to VAT, corporate income tax, personal income tax, mandatory social insurance contributions, excise duties and customs duties.

The publication includes individuals and self-employed persons whose debt exceeds 120,000 denars, as well as legal entities with liabilities exceeding 300,000 denars.

According to PRA data, the net amount of published debt totals 13.08 billion denars. Compared with the previous list, this represents an increase of more than 162 million denars.

The largest share of this debt, namely 12.86 billion denars, relates to taxes and contributions, while customs liabilities amount to 213.57 million denars.

Taxpayers who dispute the published information may contact the relevant regional PRA office or the Customs Administration, depending on the nature of the debt.

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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.

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According to the Ministry of Finance, following this latest transfer from the central budget to the Development Bank, the total amount of funds placed in the domestic economy for the implementation of company investments has reached 14.5 billion denars, or 235.8 million euros.

“The total budget for supporting domestic companies provided for in the budget is 250 million euros, while the value of the investment cycle is estimated at around 300 million euros. The funds secured by the Government and made available to domestic companies under favorable conditions are intended for the implementation of private investments, thereby ensuring their development and stimulating economic growth.”

The ministry stresses that these funds will be made available to final beneficiaries through commercial banks, with an annual interest rate of 1.95%, a repayment period of up to 15 years, and a grace period of up to 3 years.

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Speaking at the event “Turning Sustainability into Competitiveness: Building Resilient Businesses in an Uncertain World,” Mickoski said that in recent years the term sustainability has become one of the most frequently used expressions in the global economy.

According to him, this concept does not merely represent a new regulation, a new standard or a new administrative procedure, but a fundamental transformation in the way the world works.

He stressed that today it is no longer enough simply to produce a quality product in order to be successful. According to the prime minister, success is achieved by those companies that know how to manage resources responsibly, invest in their employees and build trust among investors, partners and consumers.

Mickoski said that when speaking about a national vision for sustainable development, this is not only related to ecology, green policies or alignment with European standards.

“We are talking about a model of economic development that creates security. About a state resilient to crises. About institutions that create trust. About an economy capable of competing in the most developed markets. About an economy that creates opportunities for young people to stay here, establish companies, invest and build their future in their own country. Today, the world is clearly different from the one we knew a few years ago. Wars, the energy crisis, disruptions in supply chains, inflationary pressures and new geopolitical divisions have shown that economic stability can no longer be taken for granted,” Mickoski stressed.

He added that in such circumstances, sustainability is no longer an alternative, but a necessary condition for competitiveness.

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The Ministry of Finance said that it has completed eight steps, out of the total 22 steps fulfilled by the country, which has led to the approval of 142.1 million euros under the Reform Agenda.

These positions were highlighted by Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska at a working meeting with the ambassadors of the European Union member states, which was dedicated to the implementation of the Reform Agenda and the country’s priorities in the European integration process. She assessed that the Reform and Growth Instrument represents a crucial impetus for changes that will strengthen public institutions, advance management, encourage economic growth and accelerate the country’s path toward membership in the European Union.

The minister also underlined that the European Commission’s support for the country’s reform efforts, through regular monitoring meetings and the provision of technical assistance, helps advance key policy areas.

As part of the Reform Agenda, the Ministry of Finance has fulfilled the step related to strengthening public internal financial control. According to the ministry, the adoption of the Law on Public Internal Financial Control has ensured full harmonization with international standards and EU principles.

In addition, more than 80% of budget users at the central level and 75% at the local level submit reports on completed internal audits. Meanwhile, more than 70% of primary budget users at the central level have prepared a risk management document, including corruption risk, while identified risks are recorded in plans for their mitigation.

The statement also highlights progress in advancing the public procurement system. Specifically, the use of auctions for procurement during fiscal year 2025 has been reduced to a maximum of 40% of procurements, meeting the projected target for the use of e-auctions. Moreover, their share remains below the maximum threshold set in the Reform Agenda, contributing to greater transparency, competition and efficiency.

Progress has also been recorded in the implementation of the Law on Budgets, as well as in deepening reforms in public investment management. Following the adoption of the Regulation on Public Investment Management, the Ministry of Finance drafted and published guidelines for the preparation of feasibility studies and the Manual for the public investment management process. Training was also conducted for employees in the public sector on their implementation. The final priority list of public investment projects was approved by this committee in May 2026, while the next step remains its approval by the Government.

The ministry also said that a temporary IT solution has been developed, supplemented with data from approved project concepts and monitoring reports. In this way, a centralized database has been created that includes both projects under implementation and new projects at the national level, supporting the selection of candidate budget projects and the monitoring of their financial implementation.

During the past period, within the framework of the Reform Agenda, all 17 by-laws envisaged under the Law on Budgets have been adopted.

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