The Chisinau municipal council today approved in the first reading the Chisinau budget for 2018. The document was supported by the vote of 33 out of 51 local councilors.

Next year budget provides for revenues worth 3,621 billion lei and expenses estimated at 3,901 billion lei and a deficit of 279.6 million lei.

The financial means expected to be got from external loans amounting to almost 277.4 million lei, internal funding worth 150 million lei and from the sale of apartments will be used to cover the budget deficit.

Most counselors criticized the draft budget. They said “the budget for next year has no priorities, and a large part of the amounts expected to be spent in 2018 is not justified”.

Finally, the document was supported. Subsequently, the municipal councilors will come up with amendments and proposals to the budget, after which the draft will be voted in second reading.

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