Skopje, 11 July 2022 (MIA) - The first day of the parliamentary debate on the budget's revision has ended. MPs will continue the debate, which is envisaged to last at least five work days according to the Rules of Procedures, on Tuesday. On Monday, ruling and opposition lawmakers locked horns with members of the ruling majority calling the budget rebalance an adequate and timely fiscal response to ongoing global developments and with the opposition saying the country is bankrupted and on the fast track to recession and poverty. Addressing the session, Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi said the supplementary budget provides support for higher pensions, higher salaries, subsides to support farmers and for an array of anti-crisis measures. Amendments that provide additional funding for healthcare, the environment and infrastructure have been added to the supplementary budget. Total revenues are planned at 245.8 billion denars, 2.9% up compared to the budget’s initial projections. The planned level of tax revenues is up five percent compared to the budget. Total planned expenditures are at 288.5 billion denars, up 5.9% compared to the initial 2022 projections. Salary payment expenditures are projected at 33.2 billion denars, including the new job control effects, public administration optimization, as well as the effect from aligning the pays of employees in institutions using taxpayers’ money with the minimum wage. Under the budget revision, current transfers are planned at 189.7 billion denars, nearly 19 billion denars up compared to the 2022 plan. Moreover, additional 3.2 billion denars will be provided to subsidize farmers in order to stimulate yields and cushion price pressure on basic foodstuffs. Transfers to local self-government units will increase to increase pays for kindergarten and school staff starting from September 2022. Pensions will also rise.