Mickoski: North Macedonia will have low inflation; SDSM accuses government of new €250 million loan

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said North Macedonia will be among countries with the lowest inflation rates and the highest GDP growth, while the opposition SDSM announced that the Government has approved a decision to take a new foreign loan of €250 million to cover budgetary needs.

Political dispute erupts over new borrowing

The government statement emphasizing low inflation and strong economic growth came as SDSM publicly challenged the executive's financial move, saying the borrowed funds are intended for budgetary expenses. SDSM framed the decision as a significant increase in public indebtedness.

The announcement by SDSM referred specifically to a Government decision to secure €250 million from foreign lenders, and the party said those funds will be used for budgetary purposes. The Government, for its part, has highlighted macroeconomic indicators in its defence.

Earlier, the Government adopted the proposal for amendments and additions to the Budget for 2026. Details on the loan terms and the exact allocation of the €250 million have not been published in the statements released so far.

Both the figures on inflation and GDP growth cited by the prime minister and the opposition's claim about the new borrowing are now the focal points in the public debate, with parties trading economic assessments ahead of further parliamentary procedures.

It remains unclear when the loan will be finalized and what parliamentary or regulatory steps will follow; officials have not provided a timetable in the public announcements.

Photo: press material from the event