Skopje, 24 February 2023 (MIA) — Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi said he was open to talking with representatives of the bakery industry after they said they would increase the price of bread unless the state subsidized their wages.

No meeting had been requested so far, however, Bytyqi said.

“Like any other demands, this one should be discussed as well,” he said. 

“But I think that the state cannot be a partner of business companies. We can help in difficult times, but a priori making statements that seem to be threats — 'If you don't do this, we will pursue another way' — that is not appropriate. It is not in the spirit of what we have built over the past years.”

Bytyqi also recalled that the bakery industry was receiving energy subsidies, yet only a small number of these companies reduced the prices of their baked goods.

“And now the question is whether we need a new gentleman's agreement or whether we need new market rules,” he said. mr/