21st July 2026, Skopje - 2026 Supplementary Budget is not driven by public finance issues, but it is rather a development document that provides additional funds for capital investments, citizens’ support and further economic growth amid heightened uncertainty on the global markets, geopolitical risks and price pressures, Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, pointed out in her interview with “Plusinfo”.
Under the 2026 Supplementary Budget, the Government provides stability of public finances, upholding the commitment to timely payment of all obligations under the legal requirements, also increasing the funds for capital investments, ensuring additional support to agriculture, social protection, education, sports and local development.
“Supplementary Budget will provide for regular payment of wages, pensions, social allowances and all other obligations of the state to its citizens. Still, with stable budget revenues and public finances in place, the focus now turns to capital investments. Ongoing investments in roads, railways, energy, education, healthcare and utilities infrastructure will foster stronger economic activity, create jobs and improve the living standard of the citizens”, the Minister pointed out.
In her interview, Dimitrieska-Kochoska underlined that the Supplementary Budget is a response to, and aligning with, the changing economic circumstances and the new obligations under the legal requirements, rather than being a result of a shortage of revenues or Budget liquidity issues.
“The need for Supplementary Budget stems from the changing economic circumstances throughout the year. Geopolitical uncertainty, rising energy prices and developments on the international markets affected some budget projections. As a responsible Government, it is our obligation to promptly align the projections with the actual conditions. Meanwhile, new obligations under the legal requirements have arisen, mainly on the basis of the collective agreements, alongside the need for additional support to agriculture, social protection and municipalities. However, the defining feature of this Supplementary Budget is its focus on investments. We have decided to allocate the funds where they will generate the highest added value for the economy. That is why I say that this is not a crisis-driven Supplementary Budget, but one focused on development.
Reflecting on the parliamentary debate, the Minister highlighted that accepting well-founded amendments, such as those for supporting women farmers, the national SOS support line and two shelters for victims of domestic and gender-based violence, demonstrates the Government’s commitment to constructive citizen-focused proposals.
She added that positive economic indicators - 3.1% GDP growth in Q1, scaled-up foreign direct investments, growth in construction, services and export - prove that the Macedonian economy remains stable and the policies the Government pursues deliver results. According to her, the Supplementary Budget creates conditions for continuity of the investment cycle, preserving fiscal stability and better living standard of the citizens.
