Officials from the opposition parties, Vetevendosje and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), have announced they will not vote in favour of the 2018 Kosovo budget. Vetevendosje leader, Visar Ymeri, said the draft budget does not provide for economic development and that the revenues anticipated are “inflated” and “unrealistic”, Koha and Kosovapress report.
The head of LDK parliamentary group, Avdullah Hoti, is quoted by RTK saying the draft budget will not bring any positive developments in Kosovo and accused the government of poor planning. “This budget damages Kosovo businesses and halves investment,” said Hoti at the Kosovo Assembly today. He also said that Kosovo taxpayers need to know that only employment of 70 deputy ministers will cost the budget around €3.5 million.
At the same time, Prime Minister of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, said that Kosovo is expected to experience a 4.6 percent economic growth while Finance Minister, Bedri Hamza, said the 2018 budget has been harmonized and includes a number of reform policies. He said Kosovo will have a steady economic growth and tax policies that enable creation of a suitable business environment.