Gaspar: State Budget Realistic, Its Goals Will Be Met

Bratislava, 15 October (TASR) – The 2026 state budget has been set realistically and its goals will be met, said coalition MP Tibor Gaspar on Wednesday, citing information from Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky (both Smer-SD). Gaspar's statement came in response to criticism from opposition MPs during a debate in Parliament on the government's draft state budget for next year. "It's clear to everyone that the opposition will criticise the budget, and there's no need to explain it. They didn't support consolidation, and they won't support the budget, either," Gaspar remarked. The House vice-chair also emphasised that the coalition doesn't intend to deprive people of social benefits such as 13th pensions, free-of-charge train travel or other support measures. During Wednesday's debate, opposition MPs pointed to, for example, the level of the projected public finance deficit, which they claim will be higher than what the draft budget suggests. They also criticised the planned energy aid for households, arguing that Slovakia can't afford it at a time of fiscal consolidation. Gaspar also commented on Jan Ferencak (Voice-SD) and his position within the coalition. "As he didn't support consolidation, why would he support a budget that is closely tied to consolidation? Mathematically, I consider him to be in the position of an opposition MP, and I say we are 78, not 79," said Gaspar. He added that the way in which Voice-SD party handles MPs who now hold different views from those they had at the beginning of the electoral term is not entirely fortunate. mf/df