VMRO-DPMNE has criticized SDSM, stating that the current government’s salary increases are a direct response to the “devastation” SDSM allegedly left behind during their seven years in power. The party issued a reaction to a statement from SDSM’s Bogdanka Kuzeska, asserting that SDSM wrongly believes the country’s problems can be solved quickly.

VMRO-DPMNE claims that the government is now working to improve living standards, which they say were damaged under SDSM’s rule. They highlighted specific examples of salary increases, including a 10% raise for members of the Ministry of Interior and a 7% raise for employees in primary and secondary schools. They also mentioned that salaries in education will increase by 46% during the current mandate.

Furthermore, VMRO-DPMNE pointed to increases in the capitation point for general practitioners and gynecologists in healthcare by almost 40%, and for dentists by about 25%. The party added that salaries in healthcare are planned to increase by up to 50% over a four-year period. VMRO-DPMNE argues that these measures are necessary to address the issues created during SDSM’s time in office.