Parliamentary Finance and Budget Committee is set to resume Monday the amendment debate on 2022 draft-budget.

A total of 223 amendments have been filed, and the debate should end on Wednesday. According to projections, total revenues in the draft-budget are 238.9 billion denars, 7.4% higher compared to 2021. Expenditures are projected at 272.4 billion denars, 1.4% up compared to this year.

Deficit is projected at 33.5 billion denars (4.3% of GDP), 2.2 percentage points down compared to 2021 projections. The 2022 draft-budget also projects capital investments standing at 37.8 billion denars, 27% more compared to 2021 and higher than the budget deficit.

Funds will be allocated for intensifying realization of infrastructure projects, that is, investments in road and rail infrastructure, as well as capital investments aimed at improving the health, education and social systems, agriculture, culture, sports, environmental protection and the judiciary.

Following the five-day amendment debate, draft-budget will be returned to the government to prepare an amended motion before the document is sent back to parliament to be put on the agenda of a plenary session. The national budget should be adopted by MPs by December 31 at the latest.

Source: MIA