Skopje, 29 January 2026 (MIA) - SDSM is drafting legislative amendments aimed at increasing the minimum wage to EUR 600 and freezing salaries of office holders, with leader Venko Filipche hoping that the authorities would support the law.

"It is up to us to propose, but the authorities have the final say, because they have a two-thirds majority in Parliament. The support should be provided, people have a real need for such support," Filipche told a press conference on Thursday.

According to him, the proposal represents a continuity of their policies when in power, namely continued rise of the minimum and average wages, even in a time of severe crises.

"If we could do it in a time of crisis, providing over EUR 2 billion as direct assistance to businesses and citizens, protecting tens of thousands of companies and citizens when the entire world was shut down, then money can be found through responsible policies. The Government should take into account the real priorities of the citizens and find the money, not look for excuses by saying 'there's no money'," said Filipche.

He added they are open for cooperation on the draft-law, calling on the Federation of Trade Unions of Macedonia (SSM) to look into it and incorporate their proposals and suggestions.

On the accusations that yesterday's SSM protest was politically motivated, Filipche reiterated that SDSM neither initiated it nor took part in it.

"The authorities must realize these are authentic demands by the people and they should not turn a blind eye," noted Filipche.

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