“Next 2022 will be a year of further economic recovery and acceleration of growth through investments that in Draft budget are projected at a historically high level so far and are for the first time larger than the budget deficit. However, in conditions of still present risks from the covid-19 pandemic, the care for the protection of the health and lives of the population will be crucial. “The regular payment of salaries, pensions and social benefits and the support of the economy are also an integral part.”

This was stated by the Minister of Finance Fatmir Besimi at today’s presentation of the Draft Budget for 2022 before the Committee on Finance and Budget in the Parliament.

The expenditure side of the state treasury for 2022 is planned at 4,4 billion euros and this amount is 1,4 percent higher than in 2021. The budget next year envisages raising 3,9 billion euros, or 7,4 percent more than the projected revenue for this year.

Capital investments are planned at 614 million euros, about 27 percent more than in 2021.

“The main feature of the Draft Budget for 2022 is that the deficit will be used only to support a significant part of capital investments. In 2022, according to all the characteristics, we will have a “development budget”. The development component of the Budget is seen through the increased funds for capital expenditures by about 27 percent compared to 2021, more precisely in 2022, 8 billion denars (130 million euros a year) more are provided for capital projects. “Capital expenditures next year are at an all-time high of 14 percent of total expenditures.”

The state plans to borrow 787m euros next year to repay old debts and finance new projects. The coverage of this amount is planned from domestic sources in the amount of 441 million euros, and from abroad 346 million euros. The key, according to the Minister, is that it will be borrowed only for capital investments, and the citizens’ money will be used where they give the greatest effect to achieve the goals of higher quality of life, respecting the principle “value for money”.

Among the planned projects are the construction of the highway from Corridor 8, the railway from Corridor 10 and Corridor 8, construction of gyms, construction and rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools, new kindergartens, construction of the gasification network….

The Minister said that the citizens can be sure that the Budget for 2022 provides liquidity, which means that there will be regular payment of salaries, pensions and social benefits.

According to the Rules of Procedure, the committee debate on the Draft Budget will last 10 days, after which it will go to a plenary session in the Parliament and is expected to be voted by midnight, on December 5.

Source: Sloboden Pecat