The government led by Hristijan Mickoski is prioritizing changes to the national anthem and coat of arms over economic issues, wages, and healthcare, the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) said on Wednesday.
“Minister without portfolio Arben Taravari stated that the government will first address allegedly unresolved issues concerning the anthem and coat of arms before focusing on economic and social problems,” the party said in a statement.
SDSM described the government’s stance as “shocking,” arguing that it is ignoring rising poverty and economic instability.
“Instead of addressing real problems such as the declining standard of living and the state of healthcare, the government is diverting public attention with historical topics,” the statement read.
The party claims that in just eight months, the government has pushed the country into economic uncertainty and is now using the anthem and coat of arms debate to distract the public.
“Citizens will be burdened with these divisive issues while the economic reality worsens,” SDSM said, adding that it had warned during the election campaign that VMRO-DPMNE would act in this manner.
