Skopje, 28 February 2024 (MIA) — Pensions have been adjusted to rise by around five percent as of March 1, caretaker Minister of Labor and Social Policy Gjoko Velkovski told reporters Wednesday.

In response to a question on the upcoming increases for pensioners, Velkovski said: "I would not call it an increase," adding that the higher pensions as of Friday were a result of a "statistical rise of five percent a supplement to pensions."

Pensions are set to be adjusted twice a year, every March and September, In accordance with the new methodology based on State Statistics Office data on the cost of living and the average salary.

Asked about proposed amendments to freeze raises for officials, he said the changes were "minor" and inconsequential because "the percentage of officials' salary increases will be at the same level as they were."

He added that the government had not discussed decreasing officials' salaries yet.

"There was no discussion about it at any government session I have attended," he said.

Answering a reporter's question if inspectors were visiting preschools to see if they were admitting unvaccinated children amid the whooping cough outbreak, Velkovski said inspections had increased and child care centers were following guidelines.

"So far, no violations have been found," the labor minister said. "Day care centers abide by the legal moment to only admit vaccinated and healthy children."

"I hope that we will help prevent the spread of this disease,' he added. mr/