Skopje, 28 November 2025 (MIA) – Without an efficient and honest tax administration, there can be no strong economy, no sustainable public finances and no state capable of stable planning and investing in its future, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said at the event marking the Tax Workers Day at the Members of Parliament Club on Friday.

“Tax Workers Day is not just a professional holiday. It is a day to speak about discipline, knowledge, morality, and professionalism. A day to remember that public revenues are not just numbers on paper, they are teachers’ and doctors’ salaries, new roads, a functional healthcare system, support for companies, and social security for every citizen,” Mickoski said.

He stated that between January and the end of October this year, net revenues from taxes and social contributions amounted to €3.6 billion.

“That is €260 million more than last year. In the first ten months, net tax collection grew by over 6%, and social contributions by nearly 15%. This shows that the economy is growing. Activity is increasing. Companies are operating, wages are rising, and revenues are growing as a result. But these figures also reflect something else, trust between the state and businesses, and trust between institutions and citizens. When the state acts honestly and predictably, citizens respond with discipline and a sense of responsibility,” Mickoski noted.

He pointed out that the timely submission of VAT returns for January-September 2025 stands at 95%.

“Compared to 2024, when it stood at 92%, this is a significant step forward. Even more importantly, timely VAT payments rose to 81%, up from 76% in 2023 and 2024. This proves that the system is becoming stronger, more disciplined, and more efficient. All these trends are not accidental, they result from your work, dedication, digitalization processes, improved services, more active communication with companies, and the stable economic policy implemented by the government,” he said.

He emphasized that “no progress has real value if we do not defend it against the greatest threat to any country - corruption.”

“Let me be clear that the fight against corruption is not a political slogan or press-conference rhetoric. It is real work. It is an obligation. It is a condition for the survival of the system. As a government, together with the competent institutions, we have established clear mechanisms: full digitalization of processes to reduce any possibility of abuse; strict internal control and traceability; zero tolerance for pressure, favoritism, and clientelism; clear procedures and penalties for any abuse; and improved transparency, because light is the strongest enemy of corruption,” Mickoski noted.

In this fight, he said, the Public Revenue Office is the key frontline.

“Because where there is corruption, there is no trust. Where there is no trust, there is no revenue collection. And where there is no collection, there is no state. That is why I thank you for demonstrating high professional ethics, and I encourage you to remain uncompromising. The state stands behind you and will stand behind every honest person in the institutions,” Mickoski said..

Mickoski noted that success is not accidental but is the result of expertise, diligence, discipline, and integrity.

“You show this every day. As Prime Minister, I assure you that we will continue investing in your capabilities, improving working conditions, providing digital tools to streamline processes, and implementing policies that enhance our country’s competitiveness. Our objective is clear: a robust economy, stable public finances, a just society, and a tax system that is fair, efficient, and fully safeguarded against corruption,” he stated.

“Every day we take steps in this direction. Today, I thank you publicly for your work, professionalism, and dedication, and also Director Elena Petrova. Happy Tax Workers Day. Let’s continue building together, honestly, transparently, responsibly,” Mickoski said.

Photo: MIA