Skopje, 15 November 2024 (MIA) - It is vital for the Government that the meeting we scheduled on Sunday with the banks is successful so that we finally start using the loan, known to the public as the Hungarian loan, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told journalists on Friday after the annual conference of civil society organizations when asked whether he is satisfied with investments in the economy, and whether the investment cycle will continue.

"We expect a wave of at least EUR 300 to accelerate, that’s almost 1.6-1.7 percent of the GDP, plus we have a wave of investments in municipalities, financed by the central government in the amount of Mden 6 billion for this cycle, Mden 15 million for next year, Mden 6 billion for projects through the Environment Ministry, as you know we held joint events with the deputy PM Mexhiti on the topic of projects forgotten by the previous government - construction of water pipes, sewage systems, waste water systems, etc. that are now being realized. Therefore, I expect a huge wave of around Mden 27.88 to 30 billion," Mickoski said. 

This is a lot of money for the Macedonian economy, he added, but believes that two challenges will emerge this winter, one on energy stability, and the other will be the crisis coming from Germany, especially in the automotive industry. The PM assured that solutions are being sought to overcome these challenges.

"With regards to the first one you saw yesterday, months prior, we carefully planned and I believe the condition is stable, with the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Power Plants of North Macedonia (ESM) and State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) we will have a stable and cheap supply of cheap gas, which is very important for heating in Skopje and electricity production. Resupply and excavation of coal is operating as normal, I would say even better than normal, the blocks already working at 200 megawatts, which was unthinkable in the past seven years," Mickoski noted.

Although hydrology is still problematic he expects that - the autumn rain and winter snow can help improve the situation.

“It’s not up to us, but metaphysics. Still, the issue is under control and I think, no I am sure, that it will be successful and citizens should not worry," he explained.

As for the second challenge related to Germany's economy, the PM is relying on the possibility of reducing economic for some companies in the automotive sector; but that it is a challenge that can be solved with investments.

"That is why this wave is EUR 300 plus EUR 800, almost EUR 800 million seeing as our GDP is at around EUR 15-16 billion; a figure between four and five percent and we think that in this way this crisis will not be felt and will not negatively affect our GDP,” Mickoski explained.

Those are the two general issues "in addition to the hundreds we solve on a daily basis, but that is our job and our natural job," added the PM. ssh/ba/

Photo: MIA