Skopje, 17 December 2021 (MIA) – Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi reiterated on Friday his position that there will be no significant increase in the price of electricity. The final decision, he added, will be made by the Energy Regulatory Commission, but the government’s expectations are that it won’t be a significant increase. “The government has figures and that’s why the government’s decision, as the owner of ESM, is what price to set to the universal supplier. It’s a public policy of the government – lower price of electricity cost is set to mitigate the price effect. Therefore, budget funds are directed towards ESM in order to cover that cost and mitigate the price effect,” Besimi told reporters after Friday’s press conference at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia. He reiterated that Mden 4 billion and additional Mden 980 million are directed towards ESM. In addition, the 2022 budget includes funds for recapitalization of ESM. As measures aimed at supporting the citizens, Besimi noted the reduction of VAT and financial assistance of Mden 1,000 for socially disadvantaged families and 9,000 low-income retirees.