After several hours of bitter debate and rejection of several amendments proposed by the opposition, late in the afternoon the MPs in the Albanian legislature with 77 votes "for" and 46 against voted for the budget for 2022.

The 5,2 billion-euro budget, described by government officials as a recovery budget, envisions 4,1 per cent economic growth and a deficit of about 800m euros.

The level of revenues is projected to reach around 4,4 billion euros, and budget expenditures around 5,2 billion euros.

Part of the budget deficit to be covered by the Government with the borrowing made two days ago through a Eurobond in the amount of 650 million euros.

Next year is projected to reduce public debt to 78,9 percent, after increasing it to 80 percent projected by the end of 2021.

According to the Government, The increase in revenues will be based on the positive realization of the economic activity in the country, the good fiscal administration as well as the reduction of the informality in the economy.

In terms of budget expenditures, they will support a number of public investments aimed at the reconstruction process and other infrastructure projects in the construction of roads, airports, investments in water supply and sewerage and other sectors.

Among other things, the budget envisages an increase in the salaries of educators and health workers by 6 percent, members of the National Guard by 7 percent, and members of the armed forces by 30 percent.

The minimum wage is planned to increase to 32 thousand lek or 262 euros, while for pensions there will be only a value index of inflation, and all retirees at the end of the year will receive a bonus in the amount of 5 thousand lek (40) euros.

Source: MIA