The budget of Chisinau municipality for 2013 was passed in the first reading in the February 14 meeting of the Municipal Council. A number of 26 councilors voted in favor. The councilors of the Party of Socialists and the Communist Party abstained after their proposals to increase the spending and the deficit were rejected, Info-Prim Neo reports. The 2013 draft budget provides for revenues of 2.643 billion lei, up 8.6% compared with 2012, and for an expenditure of 2.664 billion lei, down 7.6% on 2012. The deficit is 20.7 million lei. The deficit will be covered with money obtained from the sale and privatization of public property and with foreign financing. The social expenses account for 54.6% of the expenditure, which is 1.455 billion lei. The main spending groups are: education, culture, healthcare, and social support.