Minister of Labour and Social Policy Jagoda Shahpaska in a video address on Friday told citizens that the census is the most comprehensive and the most reliable statistical and not political operation, which is an important indicator of the status of the population.

“Ministry of Labour and Social Policy that focuses on the most vulnerable population groups, children, workers, retirees, persons with disabilities, has a real need of a census conducted in accordance with United Nations standards and Eurostat rules,” Shahpaska added.

The data collected from the census, Shahpaska said, will help the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and the Government to build future policies and strategies that will provide an effective response to the needs of citizens.

“Census data will provide information about the age structure of the population and will define our policies for expansion of pre-primary school facilities and construction of senior housing,” Shahpaska said.

She noted that the needs of the labour market and the workforce training are an important precondition for efficient reduction of unemployment, but also for ensuring economic growth.

Census data will provide insights of the gender equality in the labour market and the status of the gender-responsive budgeting, she added.

“Census data will enable us to plan policies in the pension system in the right way, to ensure a secure future for our citizens. The census is not our choice, it is our obligation. We are obliged to create strategies and policies that meet the needs of the citizens and that open the European perspective,” Shahpaska said, adding that will help determine real needs of the population.