Wednesday, 17 March, 2021 - 09:00 The pandemic has consumed a large part of the Palestinian budget. (AFP) Ramallah - Asharq Al-Awsat Secretary-General of the Palestinian government Amjad Ghanem revealed the draft state budget has a deficit of $1.2 billion, which is a result of forecasts of revenues and spending in 2021. He noted that it will not be an emergency budget, unlike last year’s which was necessary due to the coronavirus pandemic. He added, however, that challenges caused by the outbreak have impacted the new budget. After it is passed, it will be evaluated on a monthly basis and the parliament will also revise it.