The opposition SDSM party has demanded that the government implement urgent economic measures to protect citizens from the impact of the energy crisis, including a drastic reduction in fuel VAT and the elimination of taxes on essential food products.

Specifically, SDSM is calling for fuel VAT to be slashed from 18 percent to 5 percent and for a 4-denar cut in excise duties on fuel. The party also wants the government to eliminate VAT on basic food items to ease the pressure on household budgets.

The opposition emphasized that neighboring countries have already taken decisive action. Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia have all implemented various measures to cushion their citizens from the economic shock of soaring energy and food prices.

SDSM accused the government of being slow to respond to a crisis that is hitting ordinary citizens hardest, arguing that every day of delay means more financial pain for families already struggling with the cost of living. The party called on the ruling majority to convene an emergency parliamentary session to pass the proposed measures without delay, warning that failure to act could push many households below the poverty line.