Skopje, 3 January 2023 (MIA) – The Ministry of Finance said Tuesday total revenues in 2022 have been realized with 99 percent, and the expenditures are somewhat lower than expected. The budget deficit is lower by EUR 117.6 million compared to the projected amount, i.e. by 8.7 percent compared to 2021. The realization of capital expenditures is 88 percent, i.e. over EUR 85 million higher than in 2021.  

During 2022, VAT refund was also achieved, which was EUR 208 million higher than the previous year.   

“Tax collection went as planned. In 2022, total revenues of Mden 243.1 billion were achieved, and the realization is very close to the projection amounting to 98.92 percent. Total revenues are 11.5 percent higher than in 2021,” said Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi.  

According to Besimi, this is largely due to tax revenues and contributions, which were realized with a high 99.3 percent or Mden 220.2 billion in 2022, i.e. 12.2 percent higher than in 2021.   

“The realization of taxes is 99.7 percent or Mden 140.5 billion. The realization of VAT is 94.6 percent, and the realization of excise taxes is 94.7 percent. The collection of taxes in 2022 is 13.1 percent better compared to the previous year. VAT return in 2022 is higher by 42.7 percent compared to the previous year, while compared to 2020 and 2019 it is higher by over 70 percent,” said the Finance Ministry.   

The realization of the contributions is Mden 77.62 billion or 98.8 percent of the expected, which is largely due to the contributions from salaries for pension and disability insurance with a collection of Mden 50.6 billion. Contributions are 9.9 percent higher than in 2021.   

The realization of non-tax revenues has also been exceeded by 101.3 percent or Mden 17.27 billion.  

“Last year, we serviced all obligations regularly and in a timely manner. In addition, funds were allocated for anti-crisis measures, to support citizens and the economy. Total expenses were realized somewhat lower than projected and they amount to Mden 278.59 billion, i.e. 96.57 percent, so the budget deficit is also lower than the projected amount. Current expenditures have been realized with 97.67 percent. Expenditures for wages and benefits were realized with 98 percent, while for goods and services 87.9 percent, which also reflects the adopted savings measures. Transfers were realized with 98.8 percent,” Minister Besimi said.   

Capital expenditures at the end of 2022 see realization of 87.9 percent, i.e. Mden 28.64 billion, and are higher by 22.3 percent compared to 2021.   

“Deficit was realized with 83 percent, i.e. about Mden 35.500 billion, which is Mden 7.23 billion lower than the projected for 2022. The deficit is lower by Mden 3.4 billion, i.e. 8.7 percent less compared to last year. This is in accordance with the Government’s commitment to gradually reduce the budget deficit every year towards fiscal sustainability,” Minister Besimi pointed out.