Skopje, 25 December 2023 (MIA) - Discussion on the supplemented 2024 draft-Budget continued for a second day in the Parliament on Monday as part of its 135th session. Opposition lawmakers say it is an inflated, bulky and non-developmental budget, adding that it does not bring development, but crime and corruption. The ruling majority, on the other hand, says it is a realistic, developmental budget that will ensure sustainable economic growth. The debate is set to resume at 11 am on Tuesday. 

VMRO-DPMNE MP Lidija Petkovska pointed out that this was not a draft-Budget for 2024, but a draft-Budget until elections. 

"If the Government had really planned on these amounts, the budget deficit would have amounted to EUR 717 million, but that is not popular with those who lend us money, and therefore, in addition to the citizens, the Government is also lying to creditors. This is an inflated and non-developmental budget, which does not bring development, but crime and corruption. The state budget must be used for the development of the country, but here in our country the money ends up for unproductive purposes or for pure populism. Instead of value added, money is spent on things that benefit individuals," said Petkovska. 

She stressed that neither this budget nor the previous ones have anything to do with the real situation in the country.

"Instead of a budget which will finally focus on the stabilization of public finances, on supporting the private sector, on reforms in education, health, judiciary, yet again we have before us a pompous budget that is neither realistic nor responsive to the current crises. Such is the perception among citizens and participants in financial flows, as well as among all renowned and credible international institutions whose reports note that we have enormous stagnation, regression in the economy and living standards, poverty, destroyed economy, bankrupt state. And this budget is illegal, bulky and non-developmental," she said.  

SDSM MP Lolita Ristova pointed out that the current government is continuously working on projects to improve the standard of living of the citizens.

"If we talk about continuity in infrastructure projects, you must know that this SDSM-led Government has demonstrated in continuity as of 2017 up until 2023 with effects on the ground, as concrete projects also speak - reconstruction the Negotino - Glishikj - Kavadarci route, rehabilitation of the Negotino - Dubrovo - Vojshanci route. Investments were continuously made in the area of ​​improving the educational infrastructure. Activities for the construction of a new kindergarten are ongoing. That's the effect of the work of this central authority. All of these are activities that this government does in continuity," said Ristova.

The 2024 draft-budget stands at EUR 5.5 billion, with total revenues projected at Mden 310.1 billion (EUR 5.03 billion), which is a 10-percent rise compared to 2023, while expenditures stand at Mden 343.6 billion (EUR 5.57 billion), 5.8 percent higher than last year. GDP growth is projected at 3.4 percent and inflation at 3.6 percent. 

On the first day of the discussion, which started on Friday, Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi underscored that the proposed budget aims to secure sustainable economic growth, maintain fiscal consolidation, and strengthen fiscal sustainability. It includes targeted support for vulnerable citizens and businesses…

“In 2024, economic growth in the country is expected to accelerate to 3.4%, amid increasing investments, solid levels of consumer spending, and strengthening external demand,” Besimi said.

The key driver of growth in 2024 is projected to be gross investments, with an expected growth of 8.4%. This is primarily attributed to the intensified implementation of major state-funded infrastructure projects along corridors 8 and 10. These initiatives are complemented by measures and activities aimed at facilitating the realization of capital investments outlined in the Growth Acceleration Plan. 

Photo: MIA archive