Skopje, 10 January 2022 (MIA) – The SDSM-led government will demonstrate efficiency, responsibility and commitment to solving serious challenges. Our goal of forming a stable government with clear principles in the interest of the people and the country has been achieved. The entire process took place amid a positive and constructive atmosphere, said SDSM leader and PM-designate Dimitar Kovachevski late on Monday. Kovachevski said the focus in the coming months will be put on the energy crisis that has accompanied the already difficult situation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am aware that citizens and businesses are financially exhausted and the new government will focus its entire energy on ensuring proper financial support, strengthening the economy, opening new jobs and protecting the existing ones,” said Kovachevski and added that a set of measures supporting citizens and businesses is already in the pipeline. According to him, there are already EUR 130 million allocated in the budget, with ongoing analyses on ensuring more funds for this purpose. “Citizens expect efficiency, effectiveness and tangible results, and we are committed to this. I expect the economy to rise between 4.6 and 5.9 percent in the next 2,5 years, barring global crises, with a high realization of capital investments,” said Kovachevski. He announced a drastic increase of domestic private and corporate investments, foreign direct investments and their networking with domestic businesses. Kovachevski also expects the unemployment rate to drop to single digits by the end of the term, while average salaries to rise beyond the EUR 500 level. “Taxes will not rise and we commit to increased efficiency and strong fight against the informal economy,” said Kovachevski. On the pandemic, the PM-designate said vaccination remains a priority and should be further intensified. Regarding infrastructure, he expects the largest sections of Corridor VIII and Corridor X to be completed in the next two-and-a-half years, along with the rehabilitation of regional roads. Kovachevski said the nationwide primary and secondary gas distribution network should also be completed, accompanied by further investments in environment-friendly and renewable energy sources, as well as continued support to agriculture. “We will be committed to the fight against crime and corruption. No one will be untouchable and everyone will be held responsible,” noted Kovachevski. Moreover, the One Society for All concept is already becoming a new value. “The SDSM-led government will remain committed to the country’s strategic objectives and its full-fledged EU membership,” underlined Kovachevski.