The latest international and regional sociological studies show that the public emphasis in North Macedonia is dominated by economic and social problems. High prices, low incomes, poor healthcare, corruption, youth emigration and the decline of institutions are among the most serious challenges facing the country. High prices and inflation remain the biggest concerns.
According to the Balkan Barometer 2025, the most serious problem for citizens is rising prices and inflation. 66% of respondents identified the rising cost of living as the main challenge, with concerns mainly related to food, electricity, fuel and daily household expenses. The general economic situation remains among the leading social problems.
Low wages and pensions continue to be among the main causes of social discontent. Despite reported economic growth, a large part of the population believes that their incomes fail to compensate for price increases, leading to a decrease in purchasing power and a burden on households. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that high wage growth without a corresponding increase in productivity could further fuel inflation.
