The Minister of Economy and Labor, Besar Durmishi, today promoted the new government measure "School Basket", aimed at reducing the cost of school supplies and protecting the family budget before the start of the new school year.
"We believe that education should be equally accessible to all – regardless of family income. Therefore, together with the Government, we are taking measures that enable every child to start school under equal conditions, and for parents to feel concrete relief," said Minister Durmishi.
Pursuant to Article 29 of the Trade Law, the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia yesterday adopted a Decision on determining the highest prices for the sale of school supplies in retail and wholesale, which will be valid from August 15 to September 15, 2025.
According to the decision:
-It is planned to reduce the prices of school supplies by at least 10% in wholesale trade and 15% in retail trade.
-The measure applies to all types of stores that sell school supplies – from bookstores, through supermarkets, to sports stores.
-It covers a wide range of products: notebooks, backpacks, pencils, crayons, felt-tip pens, calculators, scissors, glue, folders and other basic materials.
Each product covered by this measure will be clearly labeled with the inscription "Less costs, more for you", and a poster with information about the measure will be placed in all stores, in order for consumers to have a complete and transparent picture.
"Prices will be compared to the reference price from June 1, 2025 or to the procurement documents for newly introduced products. This means that the reduction is real, verifiable and fair – for both consumers and traders," Minister explained.
This measure, as Durmishi emphasized, is part of a broader systemic approach by the Government to intervene where the costs are highest and the needs are greatest.
"Last year's 'School Basket' was extremely successful – savings per student ranged from MKD750 to 2.000. Every family saving meant more opportunities for children and less pressure for parents," said Durmishi.
The Minister underlined that the goal remains the same - to provide all students with an equal and dignified start to the school year, without financial barriers.
"We continue to monitor the situation on the ground, analyze and discuss new measures – always guided by the interests of citizens. Education should begin with a smile – and we are here to help make that happen," concluded Minister Durmishi.