Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has stated that there will be no tax imposed on unmarried men and women in North Macedonia. This announcement follows earlier remarks suggesting the government was considering such a tax, which sparked considerable public reaction.

Mickoski clarified that his initial statement was intended to stimulate public debate about the country’s concerning demographic trends. He expressed deep concern over the declining birth rate and decreasing number of marriages in North Macedonia.

Addressing journalists, Mickoski apologized for any misinterpretations of his initiative. He emphasized his responsibility as Prime Minister to address the demographic challenges facing the nation, highlighting that the country is facing a silent decline. Statistics indicate a significant drop in both newborns and marriages in recent years.

Mickoski stressed that the issue is not primarily about financial implications, but rather about cultivating a stronger emphasis on family values and upbringing. He called for a collective effort to prioritize the family unit as a cornerstone for the future of the state.

Mickoski affirmed his commitment to policies that support families, citing the Family Parade as an example of his priorities. He reiterated that promoting family values will be a central focus of his leadership as Prime Minister.