Skopje, 20 May 2025 (MIA) – These are capital investments, and I find some of the opposition’s comments quite surprising. What stunned me the most was their commentary yesterday that we are indebting ourselves for capital investments, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said in response to SDSM’s statement on strategic partnership deal with the United Kingdom.

“I do not know who is preparing opposition’s communication strategy, but it is clearly not going well. Macedonia needs a capable and constructive opposition, one that actually contributes something through its messaging,” Mickoski told reporters during his visit to Delchevo.

He reiterated that the agreement will significantly improve freight and passenger rail transport, with additional investments planned in energy, education, and healthcare.

“We have about 5 billion pounds (6 billion euros) available for strategic projects, which I would describe as transformational for the country. The railway is part of Corridor 10 and connects Tabanovce with Gevgelija. The project includes complete reconstruction, modernization, and a new track—there will effectively be two tracks. With this, cargo transport will reach an average speed of 110 km/h, compared to the current average of 20 km/h. Passenger trains will run at around 160 km/h,” Mickoski said.

SDSM leader Venko Filipche criticized Monday the Government over its loan deal with the United Kingdom, labeling the borrowing method as anti-European. He also added that large debts for infrastructure weigh down the country's future and come amid rising living costs.

According to PM Mickoski, the European Commission’s economic growth outlook for the country is primarily based on the implementation of capital infrastructure investments and domestic consumption. He emphasized that rising wages, which he views positively, also contribute to this trend. Mickoski expressed optimism that economic growth will exceed current forecasts.

“Last year, when we took office, the World Bank projected a 1.8 percent growth rate. We surpassed that by roughly 70 percent, ending the year with 2.8 percent growth. The third quarter saw 3 percent growth, the fourth 3.2 percent and this quarter I expect between 3.5 to 4 percent GDP growth. We are one of the few, if not the only, countries in the region with industrial production growth in the first quarter,” Mickoski said.

He also highlighted the tourism sector, pointing out that in the first quarter of this year, there was a growth of more than 10 percent in both tourist arrivals and overnight stays.

“The first indicators that we are on the right track are clearly visible, and I expect growth in the first quarter to be between three and four percent. In March, inflation was 2.7% year-on-year and -1.3% month-on-month. In April, it was 2.6% year-on-year and 0.6% monthly. So, if we look at all these indicators, I’d say I’m feeling more optimistic and that we have a good chance of ending the year with growth above 3.5%," Mickoski said.

Photo: MIA archive