26th June 2026, Skopje – The 2026 Supplementary Budget is aimed at providing funding for capital investments, meeting obligations arising from collective agreements, and supporting development policies that directly improve citizens’ quality of life,” the Minister of Finance said during the podcast “Kade se parite?”.
Addressing the expenditure increase envisaged under the Supplementary Budget, the Minister noted that the Ministry of Finance must consider not only the figures, but also the real needs of citizens and institutions.
“The Minister of Finance has the most difficult task. If we are to consider the issues solely from the perspective of the budget deficit, we could say that the minister is firmly adhering to the figures. However, there is also the reality of everyday life,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.
Regarding capital investments, the Minister emphasized that they should not be seen merely as expenditures, but rather as investments in the country’s future development and in improving the living conditions of citizens.
She highlighted that capital investments contribute directly to economic growth, while also having long-term effects on both the development and the living standard.
“Capital investments have a direct impact on gross domestic product. Once implemented, they generate both direct and indirect effects across the economy and contribute to improving citizens’ quality of life,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska emphasized, adding that the decision to increase capital expenditures stems from improved project implementation and the enhanced preparedness of institutions to carry out planned activities.
“We noted that, over the past few months, certain ministers have demonstrated strong focus and commitment to their work. As a result, we concluded that a higher level of capital expenditures was warranted,” the Minister said.
Regarding revenues, she emphasized that tax revenue collection is proceeding as projected and that current indicators do not suggest any significant deviations from revenue projections.
“VAT-related and other tax revenues are growing at a rate above the level required to meet the annual projections. The data show that revenues perform as projected, indicating no grounds to claim that the Budget is facing revenue collection challenges. Hence, no deviations in revenue collection are noted as far as I am concerned. Based on the figures available so far, tax revenues are expected to be collected,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska said.
Reflecting on the budget deficit, the Minister highlighted that it should not be analyzed in absolute terms, but rather as a share of gross domestic product, as this is the only way to make a meaningful comparison across different years and economic conditions.
“Percentages are used precisely because they allow for meaningful comparisons. We need to compare like with like,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska said, noting that the country recorded a budget deficit of 8% of GDP in 2020, also emphasizing that the fiscal consolidation process has been significantly affected by inherited challenges and liabilities.
Regarding public debt, the Minister noted that the Ministry of Finance is pursuing a prudent public finance management policy, adding that confidence in the country on international financial markets was confirmed by the successful issuance of the Eurobond at a record-low spread.
“As a result, the Eurobond was issued at the lowest spread in the country’s history to date,” she said.
The Minister underscored that fiscal policy remains focused on preserving stability while also ensuring financing for development projects that generate long-term benefits for the economy.
