Skopje, 25 March 2025 (MIA) – From April, the legally mandated minimum wage will be paid, or Mden 2,200 higher than the current minimum wage, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said on Tuesday. According to him, if an agreement is reached between workers and employers in the coming months for higher amount, legal amendments will be made, and further adjustments will be implemented.

“I spoke with the Minister of Economy and Labour, and today we will pass the information in accordance with the law. I believe the minimum wage will be increased to Mden 24,400, as per the law. We do not have a representative union in the Economic and Social Council, and a commission has been formed to determine the representativeness. I hope that soon, those who will be the representatives of the workers, together with the employers, will reach an agreement, and we will respect that agreement. If they agree on a higher amount, we will amend the law and proceed with further adjustments,” Mickoski said, responding to journalists' questions after the laying of the cornerstone for the mega-park in Radishani.

Regarding employments at the State Market Inspectorate, Mickoski said that the Government is obligated to provide all necessary institutional capacities, and it will fulfil that obligation.

“We will do everything necessary, including hiring people at the State Market Inspectorate. It's not that something hasn't been implemented or planned. I regret that this had to happen for everyone to realize that things have been wrong for over 30 years, and yes, we will correct them. Macedonia must be a decent place to live, and the Government is obligated to provide all necessary institutional capacities, including the inspectorates, the Ministry of Interior, and the prison police, so that this system can function flawlessly,” he noted.

When asked about the proposed changes to the Labour Engagement Law, he explained that it will regulate the employment status of retired persons and students.

“The legal amendments have received partial support from the opposition. The employment status of retired persons and students, which has previously been part of the informal economy, will be regulated. The aim is to enhance employment and productivity, ultimately improving economic performance. We are pleased with the results in the third and fourth quarters, which are above three percent, ranking among the top five in Europe. For the first quarter of this year, we expect positive results. We are also satisfied with the level of foreign investments, which is historically at its highest, and with the export and industrial production, both of which are starting to grow. All economic indicators are showing signs of consolidation,” Mickoski said.

Photo: MIA archive and screenshot