Citizens in Macedonia are experiencing renewed price increases in markets and shops following the expiration of the frozen margin measure, with the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) criticizing the government’s economic policies.

According to SDSM, prices have risen again, making food and essential products even more unaffordable. The party highlights increases in the prices of cooking oil, milk, eggs, meat, cheese, and juices, as well as a significant rise in the cost of hygiene products, up to 60 percent.

Lolita Ristova, a member of the SDSM Executive Board, stated that citizens have less money and that the government’s economic policies have failed, citing the unsuccessful “autumn basket,” “New Year’s basket,” and frozen margins. She pointed out that prices are continuing to rise while the standard of living is decreasing.

Ristova mentioned that a family of four requires at least 62,700 denars per month, which is not covered by three minimum wages. She accused government officials of enjoying luxuries while refusing to raise salaries or the minimum wage.

SDSM’s proposals, including the abolition of VAT on basic products, a minimum wage of 500 euros, and an increase in salaries in the private sector, have been rejected by the government. Ristova asserts that this policy is detrimental to the people’s standard of living.

She demands that the government abandon its harmful economic policies and accept SDSM’s proposals, which would lead to a reduction in prices and an increase in salaries. Ristova argues that abolishing VAT on food would reduce the prices of 250 products, meeting the demands of the people and providing them with a dignified life.