Budget deficit may be increased only after wide discussion - Shuvalov
MOSCOW. Jan 30 (Interfax) - The increase in the 2015 federal budget deficit is possible only after a discussion takes place with parliament and the Russian regions on the necessity of such a step, and the government's priority is macroeconomic stability, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said.
"Could we expand the parameters of the federal budget, raising the deficit? The government should not independently take on this responsibility. If this happens, then [it should be] after serious discussions with the country's parliament and in cooperation with the regions, because the main policy for us is macroeconomic stability," he said.
Shuvalov added that when the anti-crisis plan was being prepared, suggestions were made to increase federal budget expenditures "in substantial amounts."
"But we do not have astronomical reserves, and secondly, it is the people who are able to approach budget expenditures responsibly whose anti-crisis work yields a successful outcome. We need to learn how to not only cut budgetary spending, but cut inefficient expenditures, while increasing the areas that are required," he said.
It is possible to finance the top priorities of the 2015 budget, Shuvalov added. "We believe that this can be done by working with the State Duma," he said.
Shuvalov also noted that changes to the 2015 budget might be made in as early as March and enter into force in April.