Venko Filipche: The rebalance brings new borrowing, not a better standard of living
Filipche says funds for gasification were cut from 1.8 billion denars to 12 million, calling the rebalance proof of poor fiscal management.
SDSM leader Venko Filipche criticized the government’s second budget rebalance, saying it shifts funds away from planned gasification projects and increases public borrowing. "The rebalance brings new borrowing, not a better standard of living," he said, noting that what was originally intended as 1.8 billion denars for gasification has been reduced to just 12 million denars in the new document.
Filipche warned that such a steep cut raises serious questions about the country’s energy strategy and the long-term risk of continued dependence on Russian gas. He said the reallocation undermines plans to expand domestic gas infrastructure and leaves North Macedonia exposed to external supply and price pressures.
Opposition assessment of fiscal management
According to Filipche, the second rebalance is further evidence of poor management of public finances and the economy. He argued that the move prioritizes short-term fiscal juggling over strategic investment, and will not improve citizens’ living standards or economic resilience.
The SDSM leader described the reduction from 1.8 billion denars to 12 million denars for gasification as an alarming reversal of policy priorities. He said this choice forces politicians and experts to reconsider whether the government remains committed to energy diversification and modernisation.
Filipche urged authorities to explain the rationale behind the cuts and to publish details of how the rebalance will be financed, warning that without clarity the measure will be perceived as new borrowing that fails to deliver tangible benefits for households.
Photo: press material from the event
