Dear members of the media,
Dear citizens,
Today, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Government, it is a special honor and pleasure for me to share with you an overview of the work of the Ministry of Economy and Labor in the past twelve months. This has been a year of challenges, but even more so – a year of hard work, dedication and true orientation towards the citizen. Our policies have one common thread: improving the quality of life, strengthening the labor market and ensuring economic growth and stability.
The Operational Employment Plan for 2025 is a strategic document and a key tool in the fight against unemployment. For this purpose, we have provided a record budget of MKD2.5 billion – or approximately EUR40 million. This plan targets more than 16.000 citizens through a series of specific measures: self-employment, employment through legal entities, practical training, skills development and new programs for hard-to-employ categories.
I would like to highlight Measure 1.1, which provides up to EUR7.000 in non-refundable support for people over 29 years of age to start their own business. For young people under 29, we have foreseen up to EUR10.000 through Measure 1.2, and with Measure 1A, people who join forces to start a business receive support of up to EUR20.000. Through Measure 3.1 – training with a well-known employer – young people acquire practical skills directly in the workplace, which facilitates their long-term employment.
So far, through four public announcements, 6.026 applications have been submitted. This is more than a statistic – it is an indicator of the confidence and determination of citizens to create changes in their own lives.
Another novelty is the "Public Works" measure, which employs 400 people with limited employability for activities such as afforestation and fire protection, with a monthly salary of MKD24.000. Training in IT, foreign languages, and driving categories C, CE, and D is part of a broader strategy to increase skills and readiness for the modern labor market.
Through Measure 2.1, we support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, with grants of MKD160.000 to 250.000 per person. This support is aimed at companies that employ people from priority categories, including women, youth, people with disabilities and Roma. The call is open until July 4, and applications are submitted to the Employment Centers.
Inflationary pressures required a decisive response. We adopted a measure for a graduated restriction of margins for 102 product groups – over 1.000 items. The inflation rate was reduced by 1.3% and food prices by 3% in March 2025, and through other measures that yielded results, we achieved price reductions and real savings for families.
The Ministry of Economy and Labor constantly monitors the data and reports of the National Bank and the Ministry of Finance, as well as all external factors, including geopolitical developments, as well as inflation movements, in order to be able to react with appropriate economic mechanisms within the framework of its competences. Also, with regard to the prices of essential food products, analyses are made based on data and reports of the State Market Inspectorate, as well as the State Statistical Office, and consultations are also taking place within the Government, to assess whether and what measures would be most appropriate for the possible protection of citizens from price shocks or disruptions to trade flows. It is crucial that every decision is based on data, proactive and aimed at stability, with a focus on vulnerable categories and critical sectors.
We legally increased the minimum wage in March 2025 – from MKD22.567 to MKD24.379 net, which represents an increase of about 8% and of course direct support for tens of thousands of workers in the country.
Furthermore, within the framework of economic development, I am proud that we managed to issue a license to the company "KIEL" to open a new production capacity in the industrial zone in Tetovo. This is not only an investment project, but also a strategic confirmation of confidence in the legal and business climate of the country. Four new investments are underway in this zone with the aim of creating new jobs, stimulating the local economy and increasing regional competitiveness.
By adopting the Law on Labor Engagement, we have ensured flexibility and protection. The law allows for seasonal and occasional employment in agriculture, hospitality, and households, whereby workers receive social and pension insurance, and employers can legally engage different categories of citizens.
The amendments to the Consumer Protection Law have introduced an obligation for supermarkets to publish prices on their websites. This means greater transparency, improved competition and greater information for citizens. Price lists must contain clear information about each product – price with VAT, discounts, validity period and availability. In the coming period, in cooperation with the Government, an application will be developed that will compare prices through an algorithm and show citizens which product is the cheapest in their vicinity.
Distinguished,
A budget of MKD45 million has been allocated for public calls that will support craftsmanship, digitalization, industry competitiveness, standardization (HALAL, ISO), laboratory accreditation, and non-governmental organizations that protect consumers.
The preparation of an official consumer basket for a family of four is in its final stages. The basket will serve as a basis for defining realistic social and economic measures, with no room for manipulation.
Amendments to the Law on Catering Activities have also been defined and sent to other competent institutions for further consideration with the aim of introducing stricter criteria for obtaining licenses, increased controls and clearly defined responsibilities for all stakeholders. This is a response to the tragic event at the Pulse disco club, but also a preventive measure for the safety of all citizens.
As part of the EU reform agenda, we are changing the rules for selecting supervisory authorities in commercial companies, out of 28 parafiscal taxes, 25 have already been optimized. Despite the insufficient number of inspectors, we are strengthening inspection services - the Labor Inspectorate has recorded an increase in the number of controls by 20%, while the Market Inspectorate by 15%.
Dear attendees,
All these measures are the result of teamwork, but also of dialogue with citizens, the business sector, unions and institutions. The Ministry of Economy and Labor remains open to cooperation, and determined for policies that will bring real results. We will continue with the same focus, the same commitment and the same pace – because our task is clear: to build a stable, fair and sustainable economy.
Thank you.