After more than two hours of debate, the draft 2023 state budget was approved in the first reading by the majority group PAS. The opposition Communists and Socialists refrained, criticizing the government for presenting the draft on too short a notice before it was put to a vote and with little time for improvements. Meanwhile, the Shor group boycotted the meeting altogether.
Minister of Finance Dumitru Budianschi told Parliament that in 2023 revenues are expected at 64.9 billion lei, or 9.3% up on this year, while the expenses will be 83.2 billion lei, a 12.5% increase, resulting in a deficit of 18.3 billion lei, which will be covered from both domestic and foreign sources. Income from grants is expected to amount to 5.5 billion lei, or 8.5% of total income.
Among the measures found in the draft 2023 budget are the energy bill support scheme but and the 1300 lei monthly salary increase for public sector workers. Compensatory payments will be granted to people earning less than 4,000 lei a month.
The cost of meals in public schools and kindergartens will increase, as will monthly student allowances. The budget will also support theaters, the Chisinau Circus and other performing activities.
Of the total 2023 state budget expenditure, 42 billion lei, or more than a half will be transfers to other public budgets, including social insurance, health insurance, and local budgets.
In 2023, the state budget will run 154 projects worth a total 4.5 billion lei funded from foreign sources.
The Communists and Socialists blamed the government for the energy crisis, inflation and for the decreasing living standards. Refraining from voting in this first reading, the group said it will propose amendments before the second one.
