Skopje, 27 September 2021 (MIA) – Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Fatmir Bytyqi said on Monday that the state budget is in excellent condition, adding that there’s no need to take out large loans by the end of the year. “Latest data in regard to revenue is excellent, there’s growth in all areas compared to 2019 and 2020. In regard to contributions, the government also sees improvement, with growth of Mden 400 million compared to 2020 and 2019, or 7%. Regarding VAT, we’ve registered a Mden 1.5 billion, i.e. EUR 250 million increase,” Bytyqi told Slobodna TV’s Morning Briefing show. These parameters, he underlined, prove that the budget is in good condition and that there’s no need for taking out large loans, other than those part of the mid-term loan plan for development needs. According to the Intervention Investment Plan private and public investments in North Macedonia at mid-term should reach EUR 8.2 billion, aimed at improving conditions in multiple sectors. Deputy PM Bytyqi added that loans taken out during the coronacrisis, amounting to 10% of the GDP, were aimed at responding to the challenges faced by the economy and citizens. Moreover, he noted that the public was briefed transparently on how budget funds were spent. Taking out loans during the coronacrisis, Bytyqi stresses, helped us cut budget deficit. Revenues, he added, had dropped, but the country still had to cover all its expenses. “Pensions and welfare were never late. Moreover, we managed timely the health aspect of the coronacrisis and responded to all challenges brought on by it. Loans taken out amid the coronacrisis in North Macedonia stand at 10% of the GDP, while in some EU member states they go up to 30% of the GDP. In order to have liquid funds and respond to the real needs of citizens and the economy, we took out loans last year and reduced GDP drop by 4.2%,” the Deputy PM said. The government, he added, has succeeded in providing the right measures when citizens needed them most. “As long as this cabinet is in power, as long as I’m a part of the government, we’ll take out as many loans as we have to in order to respond to citizens’ needs,” Bytyqi stressed.