The provisional budget for the Principality of Monaco meets four priorities: improving the living conditions of the community (housing, health, action to aid the elderly and the disabled, public transport), economic growth, international influence (cultural and sports), and sustainable development, the environment and living environment. Globally for 2007, the Government is budgeting expenditure of 881 million (i.e. an approximate 6 % increase compared to the initial 2006 budget) and 726 million euros of anticipated revenue (+4 %), in other words, a provisional deficit of 155 million euros. This will be the last time we have a deficit of such a significant amount», the Minister of State said. The National Council is currently examining a reappropriation plan. The adoption of such a plan will enable non utilised credit to be carried over from one financial year to the next and to “therefore give a more trustworthy image of the State”. Taking into account this reformation, Jean-Paul Proust estimates that the Monegasque State’s true deficit amounts to between 80 and 90 million euros for 2007, « this sum should be covered by the financial revenue of the constitutional fund” he assured. However, the hospital deficit, which reached 9.6 million euros in 2006, should once again weigh heavy (17.6 million euros anticipated for 2007) in the State expenditure. According to the Minister of State, “Health has a price and it is normal that the State participates in these costs, just as it is normal that the government controls such costs”, while the famous ”T2A”(activity rating), should start to be implemented in the Princess Grace Hospital from 1st July 2007 at the earliest, or even 1st January 2008.You must be logged in to post a comment.