Skopje, 30 October 2024 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said he expects the Parliament to debate the 2025 draft-Budget in the coming days, after it was adopted by the Government on Tuesday. He added that the economic growth projected at 3.7 percent could even be exceeded if announced investments by companies and capital investments are realized.

"I expect it between 2.5 and 3 percent in Q3, between 3 and 3.5 percent in Q4, and I wouldn't be surprised if it reaches 4 percent in Q1 2025, if everything goes as we project with the investments of companies and the investments of the state. I wouldn't be surprised if next year it stands at 3.7 percent and more, because those are the indicators that we currently have. There are still some things that need to start functioning, some factories that haven't started yet, and I expect them to start in the coming period, so the projection for next year is 3.7, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's more than that," Mickoski said on Wednesday. 

Commenting on wage increase, he said the draft-Budget includes funds for this purpose, adding that as a result of the agreement reached with the Independent Union of Education, Science and Culture (SONK), employees will receive the first increase as early as November. He expects talks with the health union to begin on Monday or Tuesday.

Budget revenues are projected at Mden 358 billion (EUR 5.81 billion), a 13-percent increase compared to 2024, whereas expenditures stand at Mden 400 billion (EUR 6.49 billion), a 10-percent rise compared to the previous budget.

The GDP growth is projected at 3.7 percent, the deficit at four percent, while inflation at 2.2 percent.

According to the Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska, the 2025 draft-Budget sets the foundations for stabilization of public finances and economic growth. 

Upon the draft-Budget's endorsement by the Government, it is to be forwarded for a debate in Parliament. 

Photo: MIA archive