Macedonia's opposition parties have launched a coordinated attack on Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, accusing him of leaving citizens to fend for themselves as the energy and economic crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict intensifies.

Both SDSM and Levica have demanded immediate government action, calling for cuts to VAT on fuel and the elimination of taxes on essential food items. The parties argue that the government's response has been far too slow, particularly when compared to neighboring countries that have already implemented protective measures.

The opposition pointed to actions taken by Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia as examples of governments that moved decisively to shield their citizens from the worst effects of soaring energy and food prices. By contrast, they argued, Mickoski's government has been paralyzed by indecision.

The criticism comes ahead of an emergency noon session of parliament called to address the crisis. SDSM and Levica have warned that any measures proposed at the session must go far enough to provide genuine relief, rather than serving as symbolic gestures. The political pressure on the government is mounting as citizens face rising prices at fuel pumps and in grocery stores, with no end to the underlying global crisis in sight.