Venko Filipche: We will again propose a minimum wage of 36,000 denars and subsidising contributions

SDSM will re-submit a bill to raise the national minimum wage to 36,000 denars (600 euros) and will propose subsidising employer contributions so private firms are compensated for the increase, SDSM leader and MP Venko Filipche announced at a press conference in the Parliament.

Proposal aimed at easing household budgets ahead of winter

Filipche said the initiative responds to a worsening economic situation and rising household costs. He argued the increase would help citizens restore purchasing power and consolidate family budgets before the difficult autumn months.

"Given the situation, the living standard of citizens, and the daily calls and communications we have with citizens, we will once again submit to Parliament the Law to increase the minimum wage. We demand that the minimum wage be raised to 36,000 denars, i.e. 600 euros, so that citizens can somewhat recover, their standard will improve and family budgets can be consolidated ahead of the difficult autumn months when electricity bills will rise, and additionally heating bills," Filipche said.

He added the draft will include a measure to support the private sector and that details of the subsidy for contributions will be proposed at the beginning of next week.

"Another measure is subsidising the contributions for private companies for the difference in contributions arising from the increase in the minimum wage, to help companies and so it won't be an additional burden in this difficult situation, knowing how much the state owes in VAT refunds. A large number of companies remain illiquid, take loans they can no longer repay and begin to close," the SDSM leader said.

Filipche also said the Hungarian loan is the subject of an investigation over alleged illegal procedures and that Macedonian citizens have not felt any benefit from that money. He criticised the government for lacking economic results and for spending funds on party-tied tenders instead of investing in development that would reduce debt and improve the economy.

Photo: press material from the event