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Today, the 2024 Budget was
approved by the Council of Ministers, marking the first budget of our
administration. It reflects the clear imprint of our policy priorities. A
surplus budget that transforms the core principles of the governance program
into costed and achievable investments and reforms, placing people at the
centre of all policies. Achieving a sustainable and resilient economy and
promoting green and digital transition through modern governance are primary
objectives, always within the framework of fiscal stability and
responsibility.
With an estimated growth rate
of 2.9% for 2024 and the generation of surpluses, we ensure a robust economy,
which serves as our best defence for promoting targeted social policies and
creating conditions of security. In this context, the fiscal balance for 2024
is estimated to be surplus, reaching 2.2% of GDP, while our medium-term goal,
by 2026, is to reduce public debt to 60%.
Emphasis is placed on the real
economy through developmental expenditures, which enhance competitiveness,
productivity and overall employment income, while simultaneously creating new
high-quality job positions. As an indicative example, capital expenditures
relative to the 2023 Budget have increased by €135 million. The Government's
responsible approach in crafting the annual budget is reflected, among other
things, in a significantly reduced increase in permanent public sector
positions, with just 52 positions compared to 485 in the 2023
Budget.
Strengthening the
competitiveness of our economy will enable the implementation of targeted
actions in crucial sectors, such as education, health, and social welfare.
The substantial support for the middle class, the improvement of citizens'
daily lives, and the effective addressing of the impacts of inflation
constitute the pillars of an innovative governance model with a strong social
and developmental focus.
(RM/AP/ECHR)
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