Inflation raises the cost of schooling: decision on the "school basket" measure due tomorrow

The Ministry of Economy will decide tomorrow whether the “school basket” measure will be applied again this year, following similar interventions in the previous two years aimed at easing the rising costs parents face because of prolonged inflation.

Before taking a decision, ministry officials will meet wholesalers and retailers of school supplies to coordinate actions and review prices ahead of the new school year. The meeting will determine whether targeted measures within the so-called "school basket" will be implemented to protect households' purchasing power.

In previous years the measure ran until September 15, when merchants sold school supplies with capped margins and at prices at least 10% lower than usual. Government calculations show that the initiative helped families: a household with two pupils saved around 3,000 denars.

Municipal help, growing education costs

Education Minister Vesna Janevska underlined this morning that the proposal must come from the Ministry of Economy. "That is a measure that must be proposed by the Ministry of Economy. I am sure they are taking care of everything that needs to be done and if there is such a thing, parents will be informed in time," she said.

High inflation has pushed up the price of services for pre‑school and primary education — prices rose for the first time this February and are now up by as much as 30%. According to calculations by the Union of Trade Unions of Macedonia, for a four‑member family with two pupils the monthly education-related costs account for 10.5% of total expenditures, or roughly 7,200 denars per month for regular schooling needs.

To reduce the financial burden, several municipalities offer direct support for first-graders. Kisela Voda and Karpoš provide a free backpack and school supplies; Gjorče Petrov offers the same plus payments of 3,000 denars and a free snack for first-graders. The Central municipality will supply school uniforms, Aerodrom gives 3,500 denars, and other municipalities provide varying amounts. Tetovo is the most generous this year — first-graders there will receive 100 euros.

Photo: press material from the event