Skopje, 10 October 2024 (MIA) – Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska said Thursday she maintains her position against the caping of margins because it produces no results, adding state institutions don’t have the capacity to monitor how the measure is being implemented.

“I’ve already commented this saying I could never agree with the caping of prices because it requires awfully complex calculation methodologies. I expressed my position at a government session, but the government decided to proceed with caping trade margins. I expect changes to be made in the coming period because I believe the effects won’t be as it was expected especially in the midst of low inflation,” said Minister Dimitrievska Kochovska when asked about her position on the caping of margins measure at a news conference marking her ministry’s first 100 days in office. 

She said she respected the law on unfair trading practices because she believes it is better equipped to regulate the market than to cap margins. 

Asked whether her position on the caping of margins was supported by anyone else in the government, Dimitrievska Kochovska said it is irrelevant.

“I’m a person with my own opinions based on analyses of figures, calculations while also seeing the reality. Whether I was supported or not, the decision of the government is final,” the Minister stated.  

On the law on unfair trading practices, Dimitievska Kochoska said the key in the legislation is the position of markets, distributors and production companies. 

As regards inflation, she noted that the highest rise in prices was recorded in farmers’ markets. “I wonder how we’ve come to see rising prices of produces at a time when significant sums for subsidies is being allocated and when agricultural production drops while export is on the rise,” the Finance Minister said adding that the Agriculture Ministry is already amending the methodology for distribution of subsidies.  

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