Levica proposes linking student meal subsidies to minimum wage

The Levica political party has proposed several amendments to the Law on Subsidized Student Meals in North Macedonia. Representative Redžep Ismail announced that the party seeks to link the meal subsidy amount to 1% of the minimum wage. This change would ensure the subsidy adjusts automatically with wage movements rather than remaining a fixed amount subject to ministerial discretion.

Additional proposals include removing the income census to allow students with minimal income to qualify, extending the benefit to part-time students, and allowing the subsidy to be used every day, including Sundays and holidays. Ismail criticized the current system, noting that the 140 denar rate has remained unchanged since 2023 despite inflation, and highlighted a projected 20% decrease in the student standard budget for 2026 compared to 2025.