North Macedonia PM Mickoski cites lowest regional inflation and urges diaspora voting reform

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said North Macedonia recorded the lowest inflation rate in the Balkan region, with food prices at about 2.5%, footwear and clothing around 2.1%, and overall inflation remaining under 3%. He attributed the low fuel prices to market dynamics and emphasized the challenge of ensuring timely energy supplies amid the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Mickoski also called on opposition parties to reach a consensus on a new Electoral Code that would simplify voting for the diaspora. He noted that many Macedonians living in countries such as Australia and Canada currently travel for hours to cast their ballots, and said parliament is ready to support any proposal that guarantees easier overseas voting. He accused opposition groups of blocking the reform and urged them to act before the mid‑July deadline for the ten reforms required by European standards.