Fico: Coalition Council Moves Forward with 2026 Budget Consolidation Plans

Bratislava, 18 August (TASR) – The coalition council on Monday adopted further decisions regarding the consolidation of public finances for 2026, with the coalition remaining committed to the principle that consolidation should be equally shared by the state, the business sector, and citizens, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated on social media after the meeting. Talks within the coalition council will continue on Wednesday (20 August). „The coalition council also agreed that conclusions regarding consolidation will only be made public once a complete agreement has been reached," Fico added. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky (Smer-SD) said the governing coalition has agreed on the first two dozen measures, estimating that they are now roughly halfway through the required changes. As a result, Kamenicky will not submit any consolidation-related bills at the next government session. In order for the state budget to be approved in November, the materials must be passed by the government no later than early September, Kamenicky noted. He refused to disclose specific measures or the financial scope of the consolidation. mf