Skopje, 2 November 2024 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski expressed his disappointment Saturday when asked by reporters if interest rates for businesses should be subsidized through the Budget regarding the loan from Hungary, stating that he had expected everyone to collaborate for the benefit of the state and its citizens, with each person taking on part of the responsibility.

“I did not expect that we might rely more on risk from the other side, that they would still bear risk, which is a fact; there is no doubt that banks bear risk, but the state and the citizens also bear risk. We must share that risk together; that was the essence of it. However, as a government, we must do everything in our power to make the economy more competitive and ensure more investments,” Mickoski said after overseeing the Prilep-Bitola road section, part of Corridor 10d.

Mickoski firmly stated that through good business and a stronger economic environment, citizens benefit; we all benefit, and we must do everything to make it happen. He emphasized that everything within our power as a government must be done to achieve this.

“I cannot hide my disappointment. I had hoped we would work together for the benefit of both the state and the citizens, with each person taking on part of the responsibility. I don’t expect anyone to act altruistically. I didn’t foresee the banks behaving that way either, but I also didn’t anticipate that we would end up in such a predicament. However, it is what it is; we must prepare and support the business sector, and the business environment should be as robust as possible. As a government, we will do everything required to enhance our economy's competitiveness, boost productivity, and increase investments that will yield higher exports and more income for the Budget, ultimately benefiting the citizens,” Mickoski noted.

Mickoski has stated that negotiations are still underway and that efforts are being made to align positions.

He emphasized that under the same conditions, the government aims to allocate 250 million to businesses, including a 3.25% interest rate, a three-year grace period, and a total repayment period of 15 years.

Photo: MIA