North Macedonia government to decide on school supply discounts

The North Macedonian government is preparing to decide on the implementation of a ‘school basket’ measure to mitigate rising costs for parents ahead of the new academic year. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski confirmed that a decision regarding this initiative will be made during the upcoming government session on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Economy and Labor has drafted a proposal that includes discounts of up to 15 percent on essential school supplies, such as backpacks, notebooks, pens, and art materials. The Ministry intends to consult with wholesalers and retailers to finalize the details and ensure the measure effectively protects the purchasing power of families facing high inflation.

While the measure has been applied in previous years—potentially saving families up to 2,000 denars per student—the financial burden remains significant. Estimates suggest that basic equipment for a first-grade student can cost between 5,000 and 10,000 denars. Some municipalities, such as Karposh and Kisela Voda, are also providing free supplies to certain students to alleviate these pressures.