North Macedonia PM Hristijan Mickoski outlines cabinet reshuffle, food‑price ultimatum and demographic warning

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said a second round of coalition talks this week is expected to finalise the reconstruction of the government, with possible changes to ministerial posts and other senior officials to be confirmed by the weekend.

He also issued an ultimatum to all distributors, traders and supermarkets, demanding an immediate reduction in the prices of basic food items. Mickoski warned that if the cuts are not voluntarily implemented, the government will invoke its legal mechanisms and publicly name non‑compliant firms.

In a recent podcast Mickoski warned that North Macedonia could lose between 150,000 and 250,000 residents over the next 20‑25 years as the natural population growth turns negative and large numbers of workers migrate to Western Europe. He called for long‑term policies on higher wages, affordable housing, childcare, health care and the attraction of third‑country workers.

Statistical data show that in 2024 the country recorded 16,061 live births, a 4 % drop from the previous year, and a negative natural increase of 1,206 people in the fourth quarter. Inflation rose to 4.8 % in May 2026, up from 5.7 % in April, with food price growth slowing but remaining above target levels.