Opposition Parties Dissatisfied with Draft Budget

Bratislava, October 11 (TASR) - Several opposition parties have criticised the draft public administration budget for 2025 that was presented by the Finance Ministry on Thursday, opining that it "goes against the people". "It is still unclear from the draft where more than €1 billion with which the government will increase its revenues next year beyond consolidation needs within the approved package of €2.7 billion will be channelled. As it turns out, this money will be collected by the government from people and entrepreneurs," said Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) leader Milan Majersky. According to KDH, the government is failing to resolve the problem of Slovakia's growing debt. By 2027, according to the draft budget, the gross debt is expected to grow further, from last year's €77 billion in 2023 to €92 billion. According to the party, another problem is the management of social-security provider Socialna poistovna, which will need a financial injection of €2.8 billion from the state next year. For every fifth euro paid out in pensions, the state will have to borrow money, KDH warned. Meanwhile, the opposition Slovakia party pointed out that public administration budget expenditures are expected to reach €66.5 billion next year. "In the most difficult economic crises faced by the former government of Igor Matovic, it was €45 billion. Despite not facing any crises, the incumbent government has a much higher deficit," said the movement, noting that Slovakia performed better than average eurozone countries under previous governments. zel/df