The three-day debate in the House of Representatives on the 2025 state budget begins this afternoon. The debate culminates on Wednesday with the relevant vote in the Plenary of the House.
Today's start of the budget debate will be preceded by legislative work on the contentious issue of the defective Takata airbags, which was postponed until the last plenary session. The plenary session starts at 3 pm.
During the debate on the budget, party leaders as well as all the Members of Parliament will present themselves with their speeches, both on the budget and on the general economic, political, social and international environment in which it has been drawn up.
The state budget of 2025 as originally submitted to the Parliament records an increase in expenses and significant changes in the categories of income and expenses. The total amount of expenditure amounts to 9,4 billion euros, marking an increase of 3,25% compared to the 2024 budget, while the total projected revenue reaches 11,75 billion euros, increased by 4,1%.
The total expenditures of the state budget for 2025 amount to 12,93 billion euros, an amount that also includes the expenditures of the Fixed Fund, amounting to 3,53 billion euros. It is noted that these expenses do not require legislative approval, as they cover fixed expenses of the state.
Direct taxes are expected to increase by 4,9%, reaching €3,92 billion, while indirect taxes are forecast to reach €4,56 billion, registering an increase of 5,6%. Non-tax revenues show the largest percentage increase, of 10,3%, reaching 1,83 billion euros.
Although staff costs are down slightly by 1%, operating costs are up significantly by 21,4%. Transfer payments, which include social benefits and grants, are up 5,3%, while capital expenditure on investment and infrastructure is up 4%. On the contrary, public debt service is reduced by 18,6%.
The Minister of Finance has tabled 34 amendments that include transfers of appropriations and personnel arrangements for the smooth running of the state machinery. These amendments entail additional costs estimated at 25,9 million euros for 2025.
Source: KYPE
