17th April 2026, Washington – Government remains committed to preserving macroeconomic stability, sound public finance management, fiscal consolidation, and accelerated and sustainable economic growth, while closely monitoring current developments amidst international uncertainties and taking appropriate measures to address emerging challenges. This was highlighted during meetings in Washington between the Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska‑Kochoska, and senior IMF officials, including Executive Director Jeroen Clicq, Deputy Executive Director Marnix van Rij, Director of the European Department Alfred Kammer, Mission Chief for North Macedonia Nick Gigineishvili, as well as representatives of the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department.
“A key objective of fiscal policy remains to be improvement of public finance management and maintenance of a high level of capital expenditures, in support of long‑term economic policies. The key elements underpinning fiscal policy include measures to ensure medium‑term sustainability, discipline in public finance management, transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, as well as support for the economy by maintaining a high level of capital expenditures (5% of GDP). Particular focus has been placed on strengthening efficiency on the revenue side, in particular through combating the informal economy and digitalising processes, while maintaining low tax rates,” the Minister of Finance said.
She underscored that fiscal consolidation and reducing the budget deficit remain top priorities of the Government and the Ministry of Finance, noting that the deficit has been gradually narrowed from 4.4% of GDP in 2024 to 4% in 2025, accounting for 3.5% in 2026 in line with the projections.
As stated, both the Government and the Ministry of Finance are taking all precautionary measures and monitoring the international developments all to the end of taking appropriate measures to address emerging challenges. She highlighted the measures implemented to support the business sector and the citizens in the context of rising energy prices, aimed at safeguarding public finance stability and supporting economic growth, emphasizing that such measures should be well-targeted.
Support the IMF provides to the Ministry of Finance, pertaining to key public finance management reforms and public administration capacity‑building, was underscored. While in Washington, the Minister is scheduled to meet with IMF Deputy Managing Director, Bo Li.
