Macedonian SDSM denounces budget rebalance and internal reform platform

Oliver Spasovski, coordinator of the SDSM parliamentary group, told the Finance and Budget Committee that the government's proposed budget rebalance violates the Budget Law. He said the rebalance lifts the deficit to 4.1%, lowers the growth forecast for 2026 from 3.8% to 3.1%, and raises public debt from 121 bn to 140 bn denar – about 60% of GDP. Inflation is revised upward to 4.5%, and the increase in capital spending merely funds existing obligations, including projects financed with a Hungarian loan, rather than new investments. Spasovski also highlighted ongoing problems with VAT refunds and warned that the rebalance signals a lack of systemic solutions.

At the same time, SDSM issued a sharp criticism of Igor Ivanovski and his “Future of Micovski” reform platform, accusing the group of being responsible for the party’s 2024 electoral defeat. The party condemned Ivanovski and his allies for presenting themselves as rescuers while pushing reforms from outside the party, involving figures such as Slavjanka Petrovska. Ivanovski responded by urging party leader Veno Filipche to stop discrediting members and defending his long‑standing party membership.