Macedonian Government has helped erase old debts for 9.000 households, in a project whose ultimate cost is expected to reach 900 million denars (14,6 million EUR). Over 41.000 applications were sent to the Government for the program that helps clear a backlog of debt to different utility companies and banks owed by welfare recipients.

"Acting in the spirit of social justice and solidarity, we made this decision to allow a one - off abolishment of debt for citizens. This was a pre-election promise and was meant directly to help the worst off citizens", Prime Minister Gruevski said on Monday, at a ceremony which included recipients of assistance in this program. "I believe we acted humanely, in a way no other Government has acted before. While many other Governments around us are firing workers, increasing taxes and taking other steps that make the life of their citizens even harder, in Macedonia we see a different process of improvement", Gruevski added.

The program is meant for welfare recipients, unemployed who've been looking for jobs for over 12 months, persons at risk after illness or death of a spouse. Most of the requests for debt write-off were for unpaid electricity bills, credit debt, debts owed for the state television tax and heating bills. People could apply for write-off of debt accrued until the end of 2013.