Skopje, 27 November 2025 (MIA) – The government’s main focus next year will be capital investments, which are expected to remain the key driver of the economy, as they have this year. GDP has increased from 3% to 3.4%, and even stronger third-quarter results are expected, given that construction alone recorded more than 34% growth in the implementation of capital and private investments, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said during Thursday’s parliamentary Q&A session.

In response to a question from ruling VMRO-DPMNE MP Bojan Stojanovski concerning capital investments and the 2026 plans, Mickoski emphasized that the objective is to reach real GDP growth of four percent.

“Our goal is to achieve real GDP growth of 4% or more, despite the ongoing crisis, especially in the automotive sector, and the broader geopolitical environment in Europe and beyond. We are also targeting nominal GDP growth of between 7.5% and 8%, which we are already reaching 7.5% in the first quarter and 7.8% in the second. This is our ambition at this stage, along with reducing both public and state debt,” Mickoski said.

He added that if we look at 2025 and the added value generated in the economy, and compare it with the borrowing levels, “it becomes clear that the ratio is 2:1. Therefore, when asked about the public and state debt, the response is that one has decreased by nearly 2.8% and the other by 3.5% compared with the end of 2024.”

“If you compare it with the seven years under SDSM and DUI, you will see that borrowing was higher than the added value created in the economy. In other words, they borrowed without creating value, while this year we are generating twice the value relative to the state’s borrowing. This government responsibly manages public funds, planning and allocating them properly, and investing in a way that citizens can feel real positive change in the country, unlike how things were done ‘until now.’ And they will never learn the lesson. I listen to their messages and discussions here and realize they simply don’t want to learn it. They say one thing, they are comfortable here in Parliament, a small group enjoying their position without considering the situation in the country or the responsibility that comes with sitting in these parliamentary seats,” Mickoski stressed.

He underlined that the main goal of the government is to implement capital investments.

“All capital investments within the municipalities, financed by the central government, and including programs implemented through the ministries, amount to approximately €500 million,” Mickoski added, explaining that some projects are completed while others are ongoing. “I anticipate that about 75 to 80 percent of these capital investments will be finalized,” he stated.

He stated that the Kichevo-Ohrid motorway is expected to reach its final stage, with completion anticipated by the first quarter of 2027 at the latest.

“In coordination with the Deputy Prime Minister, we are taking a firm approach with the company that has delayed the work. Initially scheduled for February, then extended to October, they are now requesting another extension until February. We are working intensively on the implementation of Corridors 8 and 10. I expect significant progress, completion of capital projects in other segments, and the start of new ones,” Mickoski said.

Photo: Government