Skopje, 26 August 2024 (MIA) — The government is preparing a law on linear increases for pensioners so their pensions in March will be higher by Mden 5,000 as promised in VMRO-DPMNE's election platform, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told reporters Monday.

He said pensioners could expect their pensions to rise by Mden 2,500 in September and by an additional Mden 2,500 in March.

"The budget revision has provided the funds for this year," he said, adding that money for pension increases would be earmarked in next year's budget as well.

According to Mickoski, the decision on "whether we'll have a percentage increase or a linear increase again" in September 2025 would depend on the 2025 budget.

He recalled that his party's election platform included a promise to pensioners that they would increase their pensions by Mden 5,000 in the first year after coming to power.

"Nine months from our forming a new government, this promise will be fully met," he said. mr/