Skopje, 12 August 2024 (MIA) - The Parliament, within the framework of the 12th session on Monday, has begun the debate on the 2024 budget revision, which can last up to three days.

Total revenues in the budget revision are planned at 318.2 billion denars, while expenditures are set at 362.8 billion denars. GDP growth is projected at 2.1 percent, inflation at 3.5 percent, and the budget deficit at 4.9 percent.

The Parliament’s Finances and Budget Committee's general debate on the budget revision lasted three days, and the amendment discussion concluded by approving two amendments - one for the payment of administrative staff and another for political advertising involved in this year's elections.

Through the first approved amendment, 318 million denars are allocated for election administration, and through the second, 32.169 million denars are set aside for paid political advertising, which are funds intended for the payment of legal obligations.

As Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska explained in her speech, the government has also secured funds through reallocation for various commissions, agencies, councils, inspectorates, ministries, municipalities, as well as for the Ombudsman and the anniversary celebration of the Framework Agreement.

Dimitrieska Kochoska assessed the 2024 budget revision as an effort by the new government to guarantee liquidity for the timely servicing of all obligations up to the end of the year, while also ensuring the normal operation of institutions and the progress of projects that are following their planned schedule.

“With the proposed budget revision, we are correcting the oversights made in the initial budget, such as the insufficient allocation of funds for legally mandated rights, funds for servicing due obligations, and funds for supporting the economy. This means ensuring regular payment of salaries, which will be adjusted in accordance with the law in September, ensuring the timely payment of pensions, and fulfilling our election promise for a linear increase in pensions in September, settling outstanding obligations, and not delaying them,” Dimitrieska Kochoska said.

She mentioned that this is necessary for the economy, which will benefit from an additional six billion denars being directed towards local project implementation, alongside the previously announced favorable loan for investments.

“This is one of the ways we aim to support the economy, which, according to the data, had poor results in the first half of the year,” noted Dimitrieska Kochoska.

Earlier, the Parliament had adopted the first six items on the session's agenda without discussion.

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