We are closely monitoring the situation and, of course, we are considering measures that will be in the interest of citizens, Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski told reporters when asked whether new targeted economic measures will be adopted, given the inflation rate. He explained that average inflation stood below 4.5 percent in the first four months, adding that it is “one of the lowest, if not the lowest in the region.”
“From our analysis, specifically for May inflation, the main driver of why it is 4.7% annually for May are two sectors, or two types of products. These are transport services, which are in double digits, over 10%, and alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco products are close to double digits. Here I really would not like to apply measures. On the contrary, perhaps even more rigorous measures are needed because our goal is to protect the health of citizens. So, in the area of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and cigarettes, that is, tobacco products and cigarettes, there is no need for any measures and we are saying in advance that there will be no measures,” PM Mickoski stressed.
As for the transport sector, Mickoski indicates that the Government is already talking to transporters.
“The largest part is air transport due to the expensive kerosene, which is twice as high. So, here we can intervene again in the area of taxes,” said the PM.
The Prime Minister adds that the Government will first see what will happen this month, and then it will introduce economic target measures to reduce inflation.
