Skopje, 24 March 2026 (MIA) - The government cut VAT on fuel, but failed to adopt targeted measures for specific groups of citizens, opposition leader Venko Filipche stated during Tuesday’s SDSM press conference.

According to Filipche, the government should also provide targeted packages to assist socially vulnerable groups, people with special needs, the poorest pensioners, low-income workers and families with multiple children.

“The government has not introduced a single measure to help specific groups of citizens, while we see how countries in the region are coping. Measures similar to those implemented by the government we led during crises are needed, during the COVID crisis and the energy crisis that began with the war in Ukraine. Direct assistance must reach the most vulnerable citizens, the poorest groups, pensioners, social cases, families with multiple children, and low-income workers, those who struggle to make ends meet. During crises, SDSM-led governments provided €2 billion in direct aid to citizens, targeting the most vulnerable groups, and additional support for students, pupils, and people with special needs,” Filipche said.

He noted that the government could follow the Croatian example, where, in addition to capping fuel and gas prices, certain groups of citizens as farmers, fishermen and other socially vulnerable categories, received targeted assistance.

“I appeal to the government to adopt our measures, which will deliver results. In addition to reducing VAT on fuels, VAT on basic food products should be cut to zero percent, and the excise tax reduced by Mden 4. This will create real relief that citizens will notice, and companies will benefit as it will not trigger further price increases. Toll fees need to be lowered, and targeted packages should be provided for specific groups of citizens as socially vulnerable people, people with special needs, the poorest pensioners, low-income workers and families with multiple children. The government must provide support to all these groups,” SDSM leader Venko Filipche noted.

At today’s SDSM press conference, it was reported that the country’s deficit has risen from the projected 3.5 percent to 5.1 percent.

Photo: screenshot