SDSM minimum wage increase proposal in North Macedonia

The Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) has moved to increase the national minimum wage to address rising living costs. Initially, the party proposed raising the wage to 36,000 denars (approximately 600 euros) to assist citizens with increasing electricity and heating bills. This proposal included a plan to subsidize social security contribution differences to prevent liquidity issues for private sector companies.

Following this, the SDSM parliamentary group and its coalition formally submitted a law to the Assembly to increase the minimum wage to 36,960 denars (600 euros). SDSM President Venko Filipche stated that the existing wage of 26,000 denars is insufficient, noting it covers only about 31% to 37% of total living expenses due to rising food and fuel prices. He further noted that the union basket has reached nearly 70,000 denars.

Opposition members have criticized the government’s spending priorities, alleging that funds are being directed toward luxury items and state celebrations instead of supporting workers’ living standards. Specifically, they pointed to approximately 5.5 million euros spent on independence celebrations and government privileges.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski has responded by criticizing previous administrations, claiming that citizens are still paying the price for the policies of the Zayev and Kovachevski governments. Debates have also emerged regarding the transparency of state funds used for national celebrations and the management of state-owned enterprises, such as the State Lottery.