SDYM: Students at Stiv Naumov dorm live in poor conditions and demand meal of 200 denars

The Social Democratic Youth of Macedonia (SDYM) accused the authorities on Friday of cutting education and energy-efficiency rehabilitation funds for student dormitories in the second budget rebalance, while students continue to live in substandard conditions at the Stiv Naumov dormitory in Skopje.

Students report leaks, no hot water and a broken boiler after recent renovation

SDYM said that only a month after the reconstruction of the Stiv Naumov dorm, residents are facing leaking ceilings, no heating or hot water, damp rooms and a burst boiler. The organisation also criticised the recent rise in the monthly housing fee, which it said has been increased to 6,600 denars.

At a press conference, SDYM president Stefania Kuzmanovska asked why students must pay more while conditions have not improved. She said: "Is this the A-category dorm Janevska and Mickoski promised? What are students paying 6,600 denars a month for? For defects in a dorm that was supposed to be completely renovated. Students received nothing, neither dignified living conditions, nor a higher student meal."

Kuzmanovska added that, during the most recent boiler failure, fortunately no one was injured.

Alongside calling for repairs, SDYM demands an immediate increase in the student meal allowance from the current 140 denars to 200 denars, arguing that 200 is the minimum for a decent and healthy meal. The group also accused Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski of neglecting youth needs and of misusing public funds.

"Mickoski has no money for young people because he spends it on his criminal tenders. Students deserve a dignified life," Kuzmanovska said.

The Instagram account Studentarija published several videos showing the problems SDYM described at Stiv Naumov; the platform said that, apart from one clip filmed several days earlier, the rest were recorded yesterday in the evening.

Photo: press material from the event