Mavrovo and Rostushe, 15 October 2025 (MIA) – SDSM leader Venko Filipche sharply criticized the economic policy of the VMRO-DPMNE-led ruling coalition at a rally in Mavrovo and Rostushe on Wednesday evening, warning of serious financial issues and a drop in foreign investments.

Filipche said according to estimates, by the end of the year the state budget will be short EUR 1.4 billion, which, he said, will jeopardize the regular payment of wages, pensions, social assistance, and support for companies.

“For a year and a half, we’ve been warning and pointing out that they are pursuing bad economic policies, that we will end up in an abyss, yet they simply ignore our suggestions, proposals, and warnings. By the end of the year, the state budget will be short EUR 1.4 billion. EUR 1.4 billion will be missing to pay wages, pensions, social assistance, and support for companies. That money can only come from new borrowing,” Filipche said.

The SDSM leader noted that while countries in the region are experiencing economic growth and rising wages, the Macedonian economy is stagnating, and workers cannot even receive a minimum wage of EUR 500.

In his address, Filipche also spoke about a decline in foreign investments, noting that in the first two quarters of 2025, investments were below EUR 300 million, unlike in 2024 when, he said, “thanks to SDSM’s policies, a record EUR 1 billion was attracted”.

“Foreign investors are losing confidence. They know the country is led by a government without vision, without capacity for reform, and without interest in a European future,” Filipche stressed in Mavrovo and Rostushe.

Photo: SDSM