Macedonia's Parliament Advances 2026 Budget Rebalancing

budget rebalancing 2026 Macedonian budget Gordana Dimitrieska‑Kochoska agricultural subsidies parliamentary committee

The Macedonian Assembly’s financing and budget committee continued its debate on the 2026 budget amendment package, which includes 224 proposed amendments. The government’s rebalancing plan revises total revenues to about 379.5 billion denars and expenditures to 425.8 billion denars, leaving a deficit of roughly 46.3 billion denars (4.1 % of GDP).

Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska‑Kochoska said the adjustments are not due to a revenue shortfall but to align the budget with new economic conditions and to fund capital‑intensive projects, infrastructure, and legal obligations. Additional allocations target agriculture subsidies (an extra 1.4 billion denars, total 8.7 billion), railway subsidies, sport, student and school‑yard standards, social benefits, health protection and other priority sectors.

Opposition deputies argue the rebalancing masks a flawed original budget, increases debt and fails to address rising inflation and living‑cost pressures. MP Julija Tusheska stressed that “the rebalancing redirects funds to projects that will give a real effect for citizens.” The committee’s deliberations are slated to last ten working days before a plenary vote.