Parliament to open discussion on draft budget on Wednesday, Besimi expects great interest in debate
Skopje, 22 November 2022 (MIA) – The Parliament on Wednesday will open a debate on the 2023 draft budget the Government adopted on November 2.
Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi expects great interest in the discussion. Министерот за финансии Фатмир Бесими очекува голем интерес за дискусија. He told MIA that inclusiveness is always welcome in order to face arguments "in favor" and "against" and choose what’s best. “Dialogue, discussion and listening to different opinions that will contribute to creating the best policies in the general development of the country is the approach in my work and the institution I manage. That’s how I also see the discussion on the 2023 draft budget that should start on Wednesday. It is part of the transparent and democratic process of adopting this important document that contains the policies and measures to be implemented in the coming year. I expect great interest in the discussion, given the current global context, as well as the new features of the budget, which is being prepared for the first time according to the new Law on Budget,” said Besimi. The 2023 draft budget projects economic growth of 2.9 percent. The inflation rate is expected to gradually stabilize and is projected at 7.1 percent. Total revenues in the draft budget are planned at a level of Mden 282 billion and are 14.8 percent higher compared to 2022, whereas expenditures are at a level of Mden 324.8 billion, i.e. 12.6 percent higher compared to 2022. The budget deficit is at a level of 4.6 percent of the planned GDP. “The draft budget is a comprehensive plan of all policies and measures that the Government is to implement during the next fiscal year, which should help mitigate the consequences of the energy crisis, ensure smooth financing of Euro-Atlantic integrations, meet NATO standards, and lay the foundation for economic recovery and ensure acceleration of economic growth. It is also designed to meet the commitment to fiscal consolidation and ensure fiscal sustainability,” said Besimi. Parliamentary debate on draft budget lasts 10 days.
