Skopje, 10 December 2025 (MIA) - Parliament adopted Wednesday the 2026 budget following a two-day debate. The budget received the support of 71 MPs, 14 MPs voted against, and there were no abstentions.

The 2026 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.

The MPs from the ruling coalition said the budget provides support for the business community, protects pensioners by raising their pensions, and brings a new infrastructural wave with the construction of roads, schools, kindergartens.

According to opposition MPs, the budget contains unrealistic projections and only serves to win the government political points. The MPs also stressed that the country has the lowest minimum and average wage in the region and accused the government of avoiding a solution when it comes to raising the minimum wage. 

Addressing MPs on Tuesday, Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska said 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.

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.

MIA file photo