VMRO-DPMNE remains firmly committed to protecting workers and improving the living standards of all citizens, the ruling party said in a press release on Friday.
“The priority of the Government led by VMRO-DPMNE is to ensure a stable economy in which labor is valued, wages are growing, and institutions function responsibly and transparently. With policies aimed at real economic growth, creating new jobs and respecting collective agreements, the foundations for long-term financial security are being laid,” reads the release.
“With VMRO-DPMNE at the country’s helm, wages are recording a real increase, and the measures being implemented are aimed at improving purchasing power and stabilizing economic flows. Instead of empty promises, concrete policies that bring results are being implemented.
While VMRO-DPMNE was in opposition, we stood on the side of the workers because there were serious problems such as salary delays, disrespect for collective agreements and attempts to remove the minimum wage from the calculation formula.
Such a change would have interrupted linear growth and weakened the protection of thousands of employees.
Together with the unions, we submitted more than 40 amendments and prevented that process. In doing so, we ensured that the minimum wage remained part of the system, which allows other incomes to grow with its growth,” noted the ruling VMRO-DPMNE.
“Today the difference is evident. After two years of governing the country, we are not talking about demands, but about realized duties. In municipalities, wages have increased by an average of about MKD 5,000.
In primary and secondary education, the increases range from 46% to 60% over a period of four years. In higher education, salaries are higher by at least 14%. In healthcare, the growth is between 40% and 50% within one mandate.
Police officers received a 10% increase, social workers 20%, and about 11,000 administrative, judicial and prosecutorial employees have secured a 40% increase by 2028. Collective agreements are respected, and salary payments are regular.
Inflation has stabilized compared to previous double-digit rates.
These are systemic and sustainable solutions, not ad-hoc measures. In this way, we are implementing our obligation to workers.
The Government is open to discuss the minimum wage, but decisions must be made institutionally, through the Economic and Social Council, and with an approach that ensures economic stability. Workers deserve stability, secure contracts, and policies that deliver concrete results,” VMRO-DPMNE underlined.
