Macedonian gov't debt write-off project affects 9,000 households

The Macedonian government has helped write off outstanding debts for 9,000 households to date, in a project which is expected to cost the state 900 million denars (about 16 million U.S. dollars), according to a government press release published Monday.

Over 41,000 applications were submitted to the government between Aug. 18 to Oct. 13 last year in a project aimed at assisting welfare beneficiaries, for example, unemployed jobseekers out of work for over a year, the sick, and those who have lost a spouse.

Most of the requests are for the relief of unpaid electricity bills, credit debts, debts for state television taxes, and heating bills.

"This initiative has fulfilled the promises we made during the elections and illustrated our determination to help the poor," Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said during the ceremony for those whose debts have been erased.

"I believe we acted humanely. While many other governments around us are firing workers, increasing taxes, and taking other steps that resulted in making the life of their citizens even harder, in Macedonia we see a different process of improvement," Gruevski added.

The Macedonian government launched the one-off relief of debts for welfare recipients for debts that accrued until the end of 2013. Endit