Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the Government has no immediate plans to reduce the excise duty on diesel, stressing that current efforts are focused on discussions with OKTA over a possible extension of the existing discount mechanism.
According to Mickoski, any future decision will depend on how fuel prices move in the second half of April. If prices remain elevated, particularly above 1,200 dollars per ton, the Government may review the legal options available for adjusting excise policy.
The prime minister argued that fuel prices in the country remain lower than in several neighboring markets, including Greece, Albania and Serbia. He attributed this to what he described as carefully managed economic policies aimed at preserving stability and protecting living standards.
Commenting on the state budget, Mickoski said that the beginning of the year usually brings slower execution, but that current fiscal indicators remain within the expected framework. He noted that both revenues and expenditures are moving steadily, while capital investment realization has reached around 35 percent.
In terms of tax collection, he pointed to growth in several categories, including corporate income tax and personal income tax, along with a moderate increase in VAT revenues.
Mickoski also used the occasion to criticize the opposition, accusing it of spreading inaccurate claims and relying on public relations campaigns. He said the Government would not make decisions under populist pressure, but would instead base its actions on the country’s long-term interests.
He added that reform activities will continue, particularly in energy, infrastructure and legislative changes. According to him, each measure should deliver a concrete impact on improving citizens’ living standards.
The prime minister concluded that the Government’s economic policy will remain focused on stability, predictability and responsible management, saying that running the country requires a systematic approach rather than improvised decisions.
