With 66 yes votes, one no vote and no abstentions, Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia adopted Thursday the 2010 Budget, according to which revenues are planned to Denar 143,257 million, and expenditures are planned to Denar 153,720 billion. Deficit is projected at 2.5% of GDP, amounting to Denar 10,460 billion.
 
There is an increase at the revenues by 3.4%, and 2.8% increase of expenditures. Government projection for 2010 is that GDP growth will account for 2%, and annual inflation rate is planned at maximum 2%.
 
The Budget, as Finance Minister said, is development oriented, realistic and with an improved structure. Increase of funds is envisaged at subsidies by 10.9%, at social transfers by 1.8% and capital expenditures will increase by 16.2%. Denar 21,285 billion is envisaged for education, Denar 19,756 billion for health, Denar 49,920 billion for social care and child protection, Denar 18,983 billion for infrastructure and economic development and Denar 7,490 billion for agriculture. The Budget envisages no increase of public administration salaries, and strict discipline will be in place regarding employment in the public sector. Expenditures related to salaries will be lower by 2.8%, while funds for goods and services will be decreased by 9.8%.
 
Budget deficit will be financed from both domestic and external sources, whereby domestic borrowing will be by 11% lower compared to 2009. It is projected at Denar 3,898 billion. External borrowing is planned from World Bank and EBRD for infrastructure projects, agreed budget support from World Bank in the amount of US$ 30 million, as well as from other sources.
 
During the debate, opposition MPs said 2010 Budget was unrealistic, lacking development component and detrimental.
 
MPs continued their work according to the agenda for the 83rd parliamentary session, debating the supplemented Draft Law on 2010 Budget Execution, applying the summary procedure.(MIA)
