The Assembly continued a marathon session until after 01:30, discussing the draft state budget for 2026, article by article.

The 2026 budget was approved with 81 votes in favor, while 16 MPs voted against.
Total revenues for next year are expected to reach 823 billion lek, while expenditures are expected to reach 886.7 billion lek.
The budget deficit for 2026 is planned at 2.3% of GDP, while the primary balance is expected to be balanced, in accordance with the fiscal rules in force.

Gross public debt will continue to decrease, falling to 53.6% of GDP in 2026 and to 51% by 2028.

A new pension increase formula is planned for next year, which includes monthly bonuses. According to the draft law, the fund for bonuses next year will be 100 million euros, and 16.5 million euros are planned for their indexation.

The increase in the minimum wage to 50 thousand lek will also be financed, as well as the indexation of public administration salaries by 2.5%, which will enter into force on January 1, 2026.

For 2028, the minimum wage is expected to reach 60 thousand lek, accompanied by indexation according to inflation.
The government plans to maintain a high level of public investment, averaging 6.5% of GDP over the period 2026–2028. Investments will focus on strategic projects linked to the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the National Strategy for Development and Integration 2021–2030.
Within the framework of gender budgeting, about 9.5% of budget expenditures will be dedicated to gender-based policies, included in 85 budget programs.
Local budgets for 2026 are projected at 97.7 billion lekë, an increase of 9% compared to 2025, representing 3.52% of GDP.

The unconditional transfer to local government will be 1.6 billion lek higher than a year ago and more than double the level in 2015.