6 hours ago“Taxa for Singles”, Mickoski warning sparks debate in northern Macedonia
Periskopi(a year ago)
(a year ago)A strong public debate has erupted in northern Macedonia following Prime Minister Hristian Mickoski's statement, which proposed an unusual move to stem the demographic fall -- imposing additional taxes on the singles. Speaking of the mounting demographic crisis, Mickoski said that “is examining all options”, including a scheme [...]
Speaking of the mounting demographic crisis, Mickoski said that “is examining all options”, including a possible penal scheme for singles, to encourage citizens to establish families.
According to him, birth rates have dropped sharply in 2017, while the country has lost over 33 thousand inhabitants in the past four years as a result of the natural population decline.
The prime minister described the initiative as part of a <x0 state-building war” to stop depopulation and strengthen the family as a social core. However, the proposal has been met with mixed reactions, where many citizens, activists and experts have described the idea as discriminating and damaging private life.
On the other hand, some view this as an alarm signal showing that the demographic crisis in the country has already become a national emergency.
Discussions are expected to deepen in the coming days, as the government will detail concrete measures aimed at overturning negative trends in the population. Meanwhile, the issue of “tax for singles” remains at the centre of attention and political controversy in Skopje. /tvclean/ Periscopi/
