The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) has strongly criticized the economic policies of the VMRO-DPMNE-led government, claiming incompetence and a failure to improve living standards. According to SDSM spokesperson Bogdanka Kuzeska, the government has offered “deceptions and makeup” instead of concrete solutions, leading to economic stagnation and increased hardship for citizens.

Kuzeska highlighted the significant increase in the consumer basket, which rose by 836 denars in March alone. She noted that almost three minimum wages are now required to cover the trade union’s minimum basket, leaving families struggling to afford basic necessities. Even the government’s measure of freezing margins at 10% has reportedly had little impact on controlling price increases.

SDSM accuses the government of lacking a clear plan to improve the standard of living and protect citizens from economic risks. Kuzeska stated that salaries are not growing at the same rate as before, the minimum wage is stagnant, and the government lacks an adequate strategy for addressing rising prices. She criticized the government’s plan to change the methodology for calculating the consumer basket, arguing that it is an attempt to manipulate reality and hide the truth about the cost of living.

The party also questioned the delayed VAT refunds for companies and the late payment of salaries for employees in the administration, raising concerns about the government’s financial management. SDSM vowed to address what they see as economic injustice, calling for immediate measures to tackle the price crisis, ensure wage growth in line with the cost of living, and invest in productivity and capital projects.