Mickoski: 7,000–8,000 fewer births in seven–eight years, schools are closing

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said on September 1, 2026 that a long-term demographic decline is the primary reason for a steady fall in pupil numbers and the temporary closure of some schools across North Macedonia. He made the remarks while answering journalists at the start of the new school year.

According to figures Mickoski cited, approximately 15,650 children were born in North Macedonia in 2025. Before the pandemic, annual births were in the range of 22,000 to 23,000. "This is about 7,000 to 8,000 fewer children over seven to eight years," he said.

Using a classroom-size estimate of 20 pupils, Mickoski calculated the reduction translates to roughly 350 fewer class groups — the equivalent capacity of about 70 schools with five classes each.

Government view and next steps

The prime minister assessed that demographic decline accounts for around 90 percent of the drop in pupil numbers, with emigration acting as an additional factor. He said the Government of North Macedonia will first try to stabilise population loss and then work to create conditions for growth, noting that similar demographic challenges affect other European countries.

Earlier, Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska reported that 24 schools were temporarily closed this year. Some institutions had no pupils at all, while others had only a few children who were transferred to nearby schools so they could attend classes in larger groups and have better opportunities for socialisation.

Officials and educators face a growing policy challenge: how to balance consolidation of educational resources with access to local schooling in shrinking communities. The government’s short- and medium-term measures to stabilise population trends will be watched closely by school administrators and parents.

Photo: press material from the event