English
Students have accepted the new model for subsidized student meals, proposed by the Government and the Ministry of Education, which would increase the monthly allowance from 3,500 to 4,500 denars. However, they have set two conditions: that the agreed-upon solutions be incorporated into the Law on Subsidized Student Meals, and that the list of participating companies and markets be made public before the law enters into force.
In a statement, they noted that this decision was reached following extensive consultations with students within their respective organizational structures, and after a meeting where the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education presented a comprehensive solution regarding the measure. The proposed model entails the introduction of a new student meal system, dubbed “M Student Meal,” as well as an increase in the total monthly funds from 3,500 to 4,500 denars. Additionally, the plan includes the public release of a list of operators and markets where students can utilize these funds; furthermore, any discounts will remain valid until the end of the month, regardless of whether the student has spent the full 4,500-denar amount.
The students emphasize that their acceptance of the proposed model is contingent upon the inclusion of these provisions in the law and the timely publication of the list of companies and markets. A proposal to increase the subsidized student meal allowance from the current 3,500 to 4,500 denars per month—along with the introduction of a dedicated digital service within the “M-uslugi” (M-services) application and additional food discounts for students—was presented to representatives of student parliaments from all universities. This took place during a meeting on Wednesday with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education, which was also attended by other government officials.
On Friday, Prime Minister Mickoski stated that he expects a response from the students regarding the proposal to modify the subsidized student meal model. He noted that the government’s proposal was explained to the students during the meeting, and, according to him, the students themselves agreed that it represents a better solution than the current model.