Daniela Arsovska, head of the Association of chambers of commerce (SSK), is skeptical about the projected growth rate of 3.5 percent for 2019.

The National bank gave its projection but I don’t think it will be doable given the election campaign. Companies are looking into their plans for the first half of next year and are putting them on hold, in anticipation of the new government, Arsovska said.

She is also doubtful about the projections of 3.8 percent for 2020, saying that all long term projects are already stalled. Opposition leader Hristijan Mickoski recently accused the State Statistics Bureau of falsifying data to make the economy appear better than it is.

Arsovska also condemned the plan by the Zaev Government to increase the minimum wage again. “Everything that is artificially imposed is not good”.