Skopje, 23 December 2024 (MIA) — The average family of four in North Macedonia needed 62,861 denars (EUR 1,022) to cover minimal living expenses in December 2024, or Mden 840 more than in November 2024, according to the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia.

According to the unions' estimate of the bare necessities for an average household, 23,075 denars of the total went to basic monthly food costs.

The minimal cost of personal hygiene items and household cleaning products was approximately 2,087 denars. Minimal transportation costs amounted to 4,727 denars. For clothing and footwear, an average family needed at least 5,728 denars, for entertainment at least 4,458 denars, and for healthcare – at least 1,135 denars.

According to the unionists, the government's "fall consumer basket" market intervention capping profit margins on 73 food staples in September and October did prevent grocery costs from rising too much – they recorded a rise of only Mden 41 in December compared to September.

But the market intervention was aimed at reducing the costs by at least 10 percent, they noted. The reason it didn't, according to them, is that "vendors abuse any chance they get to profiteer at the expense of citizens and workers."

According to the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia, storekeepers, once they heard about the announced margin caps, rushed to raise prices of essentials before the decision came into force.

This happened again ahead of the government's "New Year's consumer basket" market intervention, aimed at lowering grocery costs over the holidays by marking down prices on hundreds of items between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15, they said.

Instead of dropping by at least 10 percent, the unionists' estimate of basic monthly food costs increased by Mden 397.

"The Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia demands that the [government's market intervention] measures last longer, so the government can significantly contribute to protecting the citizens' living standard," they said.

They also said the next market intervention should be done without prior notice to grocery stores so they "do not commit abuse on the backs of citizens and workers again." mr/