Simulations predict that the poverty rate will rise from about 17% in 2019 to about 20‒23% in 2020, and from 55,000 to over 130,000 Macedonians (depending on how long the crisis will last) would fall into poverty. Moreover, more than 75% of those who are likely to fall into poverty are currently not covered by any social protection program.”
Poverty Watch Main Findings
Most affected groups
Rural communities and marginalized groups
Elderly people
People whose agreement is on the verdict of expiration
Children
Self-employed
Women
Roma population
Young people
Main priorities
- To be careful not to cancel the existing exemptions too soon (payment of
installments of loans and executions), but also to continue subsidizing their costs (financial support, food and hygiene support, subsidized use of energy and water, etc. - Continue with the government support measures for Covid-19 until the stabilization of the economy
- To continue with the development of social (and combined services) especially at the local level (It is necessary to continue the process of activation, with direct work with families- case management)
- To revise the conditions for realization of GMI and other incomes, in accordance with the new poor and the employed poor
- Ensure that public resources are available to the frontline workers such as doctors, nurses, lab technicians (most of which are women)
- Assuring the law justice for the citizens and fight corruption more strongly
- Strengthen health care system and introduce new programs for maintaining safe and accessible services during and after the Covid-19 (attention to the mental health of citizens during and after the crises)
Contact details
North Macedonian Anti-Poverty Platform (MAPP)
1. Prizrenska br. 50/2
1000 Skopje (Macedonia)
Tel/fax: +389 2 2666 113 ext 18
E-mail: info (@) mpps.org.mk
Website: www.mpps.org.mk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mppsmk