MPs Conclude Day with Debate on Draft 2027 State Budget

Bratislava, 9 October (TASR) - MPs concluded on Friday the 16th day and fourth week of the current 61st House session with a further debate on the government's draft bill on the 2027 state budget, devoting the entire sitting to this matter. Opposition lawmakers continued to criticise the draft budget for next year. MP Ondrej Dostal (Freedom and Solidarity/SaS) pointed out that the government had tabled a draft deficit budget despite the fact that Slovakia is in the highest penalty bracket of the debt brake. MP Marian Caucik (Christian Democrats/KDH) noted that, after three years of consolidation, the deficit is not falling but, on the contrary, is rising. "In 2023, the deficit stood at approximately 4.95 percent of GDP. After three major consolidation packages, we're practically back where we started in terms of the deficit. With just one difference - we have higher debt, higher taxes and higher expenditure. These are very poor prospects for the new budget," he said. The deficit in 2026 is expected to be approximately €6.3 billion, or 4.37 percent of GDP. In 2027, it is projected to reach €7.4 billion, or 4.94 percent of GDP. Caucik pointed out that net debt is set to rise by approximately €30 billion during this parliamentary term. According to the draft general government budget for 2027-2029, general government revenue next year is expected to reach €63.343 billion and expenditure €70.786 billion. The planned deficit of €7.443 billion represents 4.94 percent of GDP. MPs have been discussing the draft budget since Wednesday, 7 October. They will continue the debate on Monday 12 October, with a vote scheduled for Wednesday 14 October at the earliest. am