The Macedonian Parliament adopted the amendments to the 2020 budget that will blow the deficit to nearly a billion EUR and push the debt to nearly 60 percent of GDP.

The amendments provide 65 million EUR to boost salaries of employees in companies that are struggling with the coronavirus crisis, and 26 million in additional welfare transfers meant to boost spending. Various types of companies, professions and industries can also apply for niche grants.

Macedonia saw a loss of at least 40,000 jobs and the economy is sent to decline by nearly 9 percent.