The 2013 budget is projected to address the consequences of the global economic and Europe's debt crisis, which are affecting Macedonia as well. While drafting it, we paid attention to cover all important categories of budgetary beneficiaries. More funds, nearly 4 billion denars, have been singled out for the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy in 2013 as a result of the increased social transfers, such as pensions, social welfare, funds contributing to lowering unemployment..., Minister of Labour and Social Policy Spiro Ristovski says in an interview with MIA.

With budget's timely adoption, it is enabled all social transfers to be paid regularly and the state to function normally in all fields, according to him.

"The attempt made to create chaos in the state ended with a counter effect for the destructive opposition. The people raised their voice and stood behind those who truly take care of the interests of all Macedonian citizens. The people stood behind those who won the parliamentary elections in a legitimate and democratic manner. The support we got was evident demonstrating that the citizens of this country recognise attempts for violent overthrow of the government. However, it is already in the past and won't be forgotten by the voters. The budget has been adopted, which means that funds have been provided for normal functioning of all social areas," Ristovski states.

Commending the issue of population aging, he says the government has undertaken a multi-dimensional approach to alleviate the consequences of this phenomenon by taking into consideration the economic, social, educational and cultural aspect.

"Government's measures are yielding results and a progress has been registered by the State Statistical Office. Birth rate in the third trimester of 2012 rose by 3.5% compared with the same period last year," the minister notes.

In the interview, Ristovski also refers to the measures taken to tackle unemployment in Macedonia.

"The results of government's policy aimed at reducing unemployment are evident. We are offering operational plans for active programs and employment measures in which the most effective measures from the previous year are incorporated. Thus far, six operational plans covered more than 42.000 people - some of them were covered by direct employment and job engagement, while others through trainings to advance their working skills and capabilities in order to become more competitive on the labour market," Ristovski says.