/ News
10.12.2020

Kochanova speaks about importance of balanced national and local budgets

MINSK (BelTA) – The national and local budgets are essential for the work of all government bodies, Chair of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly Natalya Kochanova said at the on-site meeting of the Presidium of the Council of the Republic to discuss the proposed measures to ensure balanced national and local budgets in 2021, BelTA has learned

“The question is very relevant, especially at the end of the year, when we need to pass the 2021 budget. This issue has recently been considered at a meeting with the president. Thus, our on-site session of the Presidium of the Council of the Republic is a logical continuation of the discussion that was launched by the head of state,” Natalya Kochanova said.

The speaker noted that the national and local budgets are a key element in the work of all government bodies. “We understand that the implementation of the social policy of our state depends on the budget. Social spending is an important part of both local and national budgets. This is important for our country, because we are a welfare state, where people and their well-being have always been a priority,” she said.

Natalya Kochanova stressed that the president set a task to preserve all social security benefits in 2021. “Of course, if things go well for us in this regard, it will be great. Therefore, if national and local budgets are drawn up in the right way, it will contribute to the successful work of all authorities and, of course, the well-being of our citizens. Therefore, this matter has been brought up for discussion today,” she added.

Taking part in the extended meeting were representatives of the Finance Ministry, regional and district councils of deputies. “A balanced budget is crucial for the development of the country,” Chairwoman of the Economy, Budget, and Finance Commission of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly Tatiana Runets said. “We have discussed the matter and developed concrete proposals and guidelines for our further work with the Finance Ministry. Taking into consideration that the Council of the Republic is based on territorial representation, we pay utmost attention to regional development. Therefore, top on the agenda of the meeting was regional development. We need to make sure that all planned expenses will be sufficiently funded. The draft national budget provides for the necessary financial instruments (subsidies). Thus, the regional budgets for 2021 are balanced. At the same time, the social focus of their expenses will remain,” she added.