Macedonia's 2026 Budget Rebalance Sparks Opposition Criticism

Opposition MPs in North Macedonia denounced the government's proposed rebalance of the 2026 state budget as a clear sign of economic mismanagement. MP Blagoje Bochvarski warned that the adjustment reflects higher consumer prices, stagnant wages and a rising public debt, noting that inflation is nearly double the EU average and food prices have surged by up to 16 %. He argued that the budget cannot even sustain the first half of the year, citing a shortfall of about 240 million euros in projected revenues.

MP Mitko Trajčuleski added that the rebalance increases the fiscal deficit by more than 7 billion denars and reduces tax and excise revenues by 900 million and 1.6 billion denars respectively, while expenditures continue to grow. He criticised the lack of new investment projects, calling the capital spending a legacy of the previous government, and demanded a transparent accounting of how the additional funds will be used. Both legislators called for greater fiscal discipline and accountability, warning that the growing deficit and debt burden will further erode citizens’ purchasing power.