Skopje, 30 April 2024 (MIA) -The public debt stands at EUR 8,769 million, i.e. 58.6 percent of GDP in Q1 of 2024, the Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday. 

"In Q1, government securities in the amount of EUR 219.2 million were issued, funds in the amount of EUR 175.5 million were withdrawn on the basis of arrangements with foreign creditors, such as the withdrawal of the second tranche from IMF's Precautionary and Liquidity Line and EUR 57.6 million in loans for public enterprises and JSCs established by the state and municipalities, the municipalities in the City of Skopje and the City of Skopje. In addition, principal payment on external debt obligations in the amount of EUR 82.7 million was made," reads the press release. 

In addition, the government debt as with March 31, 2024, stands at EUR 7,544 million, i.e. 50.4 percent of the GDP. 

The Ministry of Finance publishes the data transparently on its website. The latest data, adds the press release, indicates that the public debt is within the limits defined by the new Law on Budgets. With the new Law on Budgets, a rule has been established by which the public debt should not exceed 60 percent of GDP, which is also in accordance with the Maastricht Criteria.

The Ministry remains committed to prudent public debt management and its maintenance at a stable level.

Photo: MIA archive