Dimitrieska-Koçoska: 2026 Budget Revision Increases Capital Investment and Stimulates the Economy Amid Global Uncertainty

Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Koçoska said that the 2026 budget revision does not stem from difficulties in public finances. According to her, it was designed as a development-oriented document that provides additional funds for capital investment, support for citizens and continued economic growth at a time of heightened uncertainty in global markets, geopolitical risks and price pressures.

Through the changes to the 2026 budget, the Government aims to maintain the stability of public finances and guarantee the regular payment of all the state’s statutory obligations. At the same time, increased funding is planned for capital investment, agriculture, social protection, education, sports and local development.

Dimitrieska-Koçoska stressed that the budget revision ensures the uninterrupted payment of wages, pensions, social benefits and all other state obligations to citizens. She added that, thanks to stable budget revenues and sound public finances, the focus is now shifting to capital investment.

According to the minister, projects currently being implemented in roads, railways, energy, education, healthcare and municipal infrastructure are expected to generate greater economic activity, create new jobs and improve living standards.

During the interview, she explained that the revision represents an adjustment of the budget to new economic circumstances and new statutory obligations. Dimitrieska-Koçoska denied that the move had been prompted by a revenue shortfall or liquidity problems.

The minister explained that the need to revise the budget arose from economic changes recorded during the year. Geopolitical developments, rising energy prices and shifts in international markets have affected some budget projections. Therefore, she said, the Government has a responsibility to adjust these forecasts to the actual situation in a timely manner.

Additional statutory obligations also arose during the same period, mainly as a result of signed collective agreements, while a need also emerged for greater support for agriculture, social protection and municipalities. Dimitrieska-Koçoska emphasized that the main feature of this revision remains its focus on investment, with financial resources allocated to sectors where they can generate the greatest added value for the economy. For this reason, she described it not as a crisis-driven revision, but as a development-oriented one.