Veles, 4 October 2025 (MIA) - Minimum wage in Macedonia should increase up to 500 euros, urged SDSM leader Venko Filipche in a townhall debate in Veles. In the past 1,5 years, he said, SDSM has five concrete initiatives on pay rises, but all of them were rejected by the VMRO-DPMNE-led government showing complete lack of interest in improving the standard for living.

"SDSM has been offering a solution for a whole year - a 500-euro minimum wage. It's not a populist move, it contains a clear methodology. We showed the country can grow even in crises if we take care of the citizens," Filipche said in Veles adding that countries in the region, including Albania, has increased minimum wage to 520 euros, whereas Serbia has been increasing minimum wage each year.

At the townhall debate, held under the motto "We fight for our home", the SDSM leader said the VMRO-DPMNE government in the past 1,5 year showed complete lack of interest in improving the standards for living.

"A year and a half has passed. During this period we all had enough time to see who we are dealing with and what kind of policies this government is making. It's enough time to realize that we have an arrogant government without any sense for the needs of the people. This is the reality," Filipche said. 

The opposition leader urged the citizens to unite and restore power in the hands of the people saying life in Macedonia is possible with honor, hard work and respect. "From Veles, we are sending a message we are fighting for our people, for our salaries and for our future," said Filipche.

The SDSM leader mentioned the issues Veles is facing noting that all the promises made remained on paper.

"No general urban plan was adopted. The building of the firefighting unit hasn't been reconstructed, there are no new vehicles - the citizens' safety is at risk. There are no new plants, no new jobs," said Filipche.

The solution, he concluded, lies in the honorable and capable candidates of SDSM. Filipche said he fully endorses the candidate for mayor, Maja Hesko and the candidates for councilors.

Photo: SDSM