14th November 2025, Skopje – Preparation of the 2026 Budget posed a serious and complex challenge, primarily due to the Government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation. Still, it maintains the approach of rational and disciplined use of public funds, Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, highlighted during her guest appearance on the Sitel TV newscast.
“This is a process that should logically have been implemented by the previous Government, particularly amid high inflation. However, since it was not carried out, we had to bear the entire burden”, Minister said.
Dimitrieska-Kochoska reminded that next year the state is to repay debts amounting to EUR 2 billion, incurred through highly irresponsible and, as she noted, uncontrolled spending in the past, reflecting blatant disregard for accountability, but she assured that there is no cause for concern for the citizens.
“The citizens can rest assured – no new debt is being incurred. Rather, the objective is stabilization and consolidation of public debt, which we are confident can be accomplished sooner than the initially anticipated deadlines”, the Minister said in her Sitel TV guest appearance.
As pointed out, the revenues have been projected prudently and realistically, with economic growth offering the potential to exceed expectations. The expenditures have been precisely projected, with clear reasoning behind each optimization.
Minister also addressed the criticism regarding the alleged reduction of social assistance, emphasizing that the decrease in the number of beneficiaries was a result of improved management and integration of some individuals into the labor market. At the same time, people with disabilities remain a top priority, being fully covered under the Budget.
With respect to capital expenditures, Dimitrieska-Kochoska highlighted that the figures speak of real investments. As of 13th November inclusive, capital expenditure execution stood at Denar 22.1 billion, while under the previous methodology, their execution amounted to Denar 28 billion, being by 47.4% higher compared to last year.
“As per 2026 Budget, Denar 40 billion is allocated for capital investments, a realistic and achievable target, considering the current state and capacity of the construction sector”, Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.
The Minister underscored that the Budget covers all legally set state liabilities - including pensioners, workers and the private sector. Pension indexation will be in line with the legally set liabilities, also including the increase by approximately Denar 1,000 in April, as well as the regular September indexation. Minimum wage and all allowances are calculated with the prescribed methodology.
“2026 Budget is development-oriented, realistic and accountable. Citizens can rest assured – the state remains financially stable, all liabilities are covered, pensions and wages are secured, and capital projects are in active implementation”, Minister said.
