Government discusses the 2007 budget

TIRANA, Oct. 9 – Government discussed Monday the 2007 budget presenting the priorities for the next year. The budget was in accordance with the government plan and program. “The budget has been compiled in complete fulfillment of the major priorities of the government for the coming year and the year to come,” said Prime Minister Sali Berisha. The budget for 2007 envisages an increase of 15 percent of the revenues compared to that of 2006 and 10 percent more compared to the supplementary budget this year. The budget sees a 6 percent GDP growth, keeping inflation under control, an increase of 20 percent of the salaries for teachers and health employees, low salaries and indexing of the other salaries. The new budget has also envisaged a new way of social assistance. Rural pensions will increase 20 percent and also the low ones while the others will be indexed. There will be more investment in infrastructure like road, water supply systems, schools, hospitals and other services. Public investment is planed to increase from 46 billion leks this year to 69 billion leks in 2007. There will also be an increase of the funding for the Defense Ministry aiming at catching the required two percent of the GDP funding in 2008, which is something that is needed if Albania plans to become a NATO member that year.