Shtip, 15 August 2025 (MIA) - I will be precise so as not to be misunderstood, we said we are the fourth economy in Europe. Unfortunately, there are still those who, in a brutal and vulturous manner try to distract. We very clearly and precisely said that it refers to the fourth-largest GDP growth in Europe. We are the sixth country in the world by the number, scope and volume of foreign investments relative to GPD, so let’s be precise and not allow this type of people to distract from this as well, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski in answer to a journalist’s question following the presentation of newly arrived U.S. equipment at the Jane Sandanski military barracks in Shtip.

The Prime Minister added that, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Macedonia is the sixth destination in the world that attracted the highest number of tourists by growth rate, compared to the same period last year.

“We should also mention that the United Nations tourism sector reported that we are the sixth destination in the world that attracted the highest number of tourists, based on the growth rate, compared to the same period last year. These are parameters that are good and significant. Will this be felt in the standard of living of the citizens, I am convinced that it is happening, perhaps slowly, but in the coming period it will become even more evident. Considering that we have achieved this without interventionism, populism, or the previous methods of increasing the average wage, we are seeing the same growth of 11, 12 and 13 percent, which means the standard is slowly but surely finding its place,” Mickoski stressed.

Mickoski stressed that the primary goal is to consolidate as a country.  

“I believe we are in that phase of consolidation, and now is the time to begin growth, to feel everything we are talking about today. That’s why I say, if we have monthly wage growth of 11, 12, 13 percent, and inflation averaging around four percent, then we have a net increase of seven percent. What was the situation a year and a half or two years ago? Back then, we had average inflation of 15, 18, 20 percent and wage growth below the inflation rate, which meant the standard of living was negative, or in decline, unlike now, when it is positive,” said Prime Minister Mickoski.

Photo: Government