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7 clusters · 33 sources · 52 days · First seen · Last updated

SDSM minimum wage and agricultural subsidy proposals

Overview

The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) has proposed increasing the national minimum wage to 36,960 denars (approximately 600 euros) to combat rising living costs. SDSM President Venko Filipce has argued that the current wage of 26,000 denars covers only 31% to 37% of total living expenses. To support the private sector, Filipce suggested subsidizing social security contributions. In addition to wage reforms, SDSM has submitted draft laws for direct agricultural assistance, including subsidies for grape, pepper, wheat, livestock, and rice producers. Political tensions have escalated as SDSM members criticize Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski’s government, accusing it of prioritizing luxury spending and state celebrations over worker welfare. Mickoski has countered by blaming previous administrations for current economic struggles. Meanwhile, the Union of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) reported that the union minimum basket reached 69,432 denars in September 2026, rising to 84,807 denars when including rent for a 60-square-meter apartment. In October 2026, the North Macedonian Assembly voted to increase the minimum wage to 600 euros following an SDSM proposal. SDSM spokesperson Bogdanka Kuzeska noted that only SDSM and its coalition members supported the measure, criticizing the Levica party for its absence and the opposition parties, including VMRO-DPMNE, ZNAM, and VLN, for not voting in favor. By late October 2026, SDSM intensified its criticism of the economic crisis, alleging that the cost of living has risen by 4,000 denars since the start of the year. The party reported that the October union minimum basket exceeds 70,000 denars, approaching 90,000 denars when rent is included. SDSM further criticized the new budget rebalance, claiming it fails to provide for a 600-euro minimum wage or farmer assistance, instead focusing on debt and interest obligations. The party also warned of potential increases in electricity and heating costs starting in January.

Entities

SDSM · North Macedonia · Venko Filipče · Hristijan Mickoski · Venko Filipche

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    SDSM criticizes Macedonian government over rising living costs and debt

    The SDSM opposition in North Macedonia criticizes the Mickoski government for failing to raise the minimum wage and for increasing national debt amid rising living costs.

  2. [POLITICS] 2 sources
    North Macedonia Assembly approves 600-euro minimum wage

    North Macedonia's Assembly approved a 600-euro minimum wage. SDSM officials criticized the Levica party for absenting themselves from the vote despite their platform's focus on workers' rights.

  3. [POLITICS] 8 sources
    Kaja Shukova criticizes government over rising living costs in North Macedonia

    SDSM official Kaja Shukova criticized the government for failing to address rising living costs and the gap between the 26,000 denars minimum wage and the rising cost of basic goods in North Macedonia.

  4. [POLITICS] 5 sources
    SDSM proposes minimum wage increase and agricultural subsidies

    SDSM leader Venko Filipce has proposed raising North Macedonia's minimum wage to 600 euros and introduced a draft law providing direct financial subsidies to various agricultural sectors.

  5. [BUSINESS] 8 sources
    North Macedonia union minimum basket rises to 69,432 denars

    The union minimum basket in North Macedonia rose to 69,432 denars in September 2026, with total monthly costs reaching 84,807 denars when including rent for a 60-square-meter apartment.

  6. [POLITICS] 17 sources
    North Macedonia: SDSM proposes minimum wage increase to 600 euros

    The SDSM party in North Macedonia has proposed a law to raise the minimum wage to 600 euros, criticizing the government for high spending on celebrations while citizens struggle with rising living costs.

  7. [POLITICS] 5 sources
    SDSM proposes increasing minimum wage to 36,000 denars

    SDSM plans to propose increasing North Macedonia's minimum wage to 36,000 denars (600 euros) and subsidizing social contributions for private companies to support citizens and businesses.

Sources

360stepeni.mk · a1on.mk · alfa.mk · alsat.mk · biznis.rs · brif.mk · burgasmedia.com · crimes.bg · denesen.mk · koha.mk · libertas.mk · makfax.com.mk · makpress.mk · nezavisen.mk · ohridsky.com · opserver.mk · panoptikum.mk · pari.com.mk · pik.bg · portalb.mk · press24.mk · racin.mk · safenews.bg · sdsm.org.mk · shenja.tv · skopje1.mk · tocka.com.mk · utrinskivesnik.mk · viki.mk · vocentar.com · vreme.mk · zoom.mk · zurnal.mk

This summary has been updated 14 times: see revision history