Skopje, 9 December 2025 (MIA) - The Parliament on Tuesday opened a debate on the supplemented draft-budget, which, according to Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska, preserves macroeconomic stability, fiscal consolidation, ensures economic growth, as well as funds for servicing all liabilities, including the payment of the Eurobond.

Next year’s draft-budget projects total revenues of Mden 374.7 billion (€6.08 billion), expenditures of Mden 413.9 billion (€6.71 billion) and capital investments of Mden 40.5 billion (€650 million). Economic growth is projected at 3.8 percent, inflation at 2.5 percent and the budget deficit at 3.5 percent of GDP.

Dimitrieska Kochoska told lawmakers on Tuesday that she expects a productive discussion aimed at reaching the best solution.

According to her, the projections for 2026 indicate continued economic stability and growth, based on responsible fiscal policies, investments in infrastructure and human capital, as well as encouraging the productivity and competitiveness of the domestic economy.

"The budget is drafted based on achieved economic results and expectations in terms of continuing positive trends. We took into account the reality in the projections, the economy and the effectiveness in planning, in order to ensure stable development, regular functioning of the institutions and timely payment of all liabilities. This budget is not just a document containing numbers and tables - it is an economic message of stability, trust and development. A clear confirmation of the responsible management of public finances that we have established and continue with full capacity," said the Finance Minister. 

She added that the 2026 budget is planned as a consolidated and realistic instrument for responsible management of public finances, with a sustainable level of budget deficit and public debt. The Minister noted that liquidity in public finances and continuity in timely and full repayment of liabilities will be ensured, as well as that the Government will continue to exercise strict control in terms of new obligations and will follow the budget principles of efficiency, while ensuring conditions for new employment in line with budgetary possibilities.

The draft-budget, she said, places particular emphasis on better collection of own revenues by budget users, rational use of public funds, as well as timely and realistic planning of capital expenditures. The system of subsidies and social transfers will be redesigned by stepping up criteria to ensure efficient distribution, while fiscal discipline, transparency and digitalization of processes will ensure more efficient and higher-quality public services, said the Minister of Finance.

In times of global uncertainty, the Minister pointed out, the Government remains on the path of fiscal stability and predictability.

"We have shown that public finances can be managed rationally, while ensuring security for citizens, companies and institutions. The 2026 budget is a proof that we are conducting economic policies with caution, responsibility and strategy - without improvisations, without populism and without short-term calculations. With this document, we continue to strengthen trust in institutions, support the private sector as a driver of growth and build conditions to further strengthen investment dynamics - both domestic and foreign," Dimitrieska Kochoska said. 

Out of close to 200 amendments to the budget that were submitted, six were approved during a debate within the Parliament's Finances and Budget Committee. They provide funds for: staffing of the Operational Technical Agency, reconstruction and expansion of the overpass along the Shtip-Chardaklija road, opening of three psychosocial centres for youth, equipping emergency services with first aid kits and oxygen cylinders, and reconstruction and interior decoration of the sports hall in the "Goce Delchev" primary school in Gostivar.

Photo: MIA archive