Students meet with Janevska and Mickoski to seek higher subsidized student meal
Talks today with Minister Vesna Janevska and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski will focus on raising the subsidized student meal and possible voucher measures.
Student representatives will meet today with Education and Science Minister Vesna Janevska and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski to press for an increase in the subsidized student meal allowance, the ministry confirmed.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Vesna Janevska said she expected a solution soon and described recent talks with student bodies.
"I met with the students, with representatives of the student assemblies from several universities, we talked about the student meal. I am absolutely sure that we will find a solution, but I see a small dissonance in the continuity of the leadership of the student assemblies. I think they were not fully informed about the agreements we previously had with the students and that we had no problem in resolving the student standard and all their needs. Therefore, I think we are close to finding a solution," said Minister Vesna Janevska, answering reporters' questions.
Voucher system among possible options
Janevska mentioned a voucher system as one potential measure. Under that proposal — previously discussed with student leaders — vouchers would limit how the subsidy is spent, allowing students to use funds in sandwich shops, bakeries and restaurants for their intended purpose rather than on cigarettes, alcohol or other items.
The minister also warned about what she called double subsidization, noting that students housed in dormitories already receive meals. "Additionally, I would like to say that we have double subsidization of the meal, because students accommodated in dormitories already have food, but it's okay, we want to satisfy the needs of our young people who will lead this country in the future and we will continue to negotiate with them. We will see what solution we reach and once we reach some solution, you will be informed," Janevska added.
Meanwhile, the opposition SDSM has announced it will seek to raise the subsidy from 140 to 200 denars through amendments to the proposed second budget rebalance. Opposition statements also included a warning from Filipche: "The budget is in a catastrophic state, we will submit amendments to increase the minimum wage and the student meal."
Photo: press material from the event
