Draft state budget debate opens in Parliament

On Wednesday the discussion about the draft state budget for next year began in Parliament with its traditional presentation by Finance Minister Peter Kažimír. He highlighted that the budget for the first time stipulates in writing that Slovakia should achieve a balanced budget. This should happen in 2018. A primary surplus is expected one year earlier. "I am convinced that this draft budget also provides the basis for continuing the consolidation of public finances. It will contribute to a further reduction of the gross debt," said Minister Kažimír. The draft budget for 2016 expects the overall income of the state administration to be at a little over 14 billion EUR while the overall expenses should be at almost 16 billion EUR, coming short at approximately 1,97 billion EUR. For comparison, in the year 2015 the deficit is expected to reach 2,98 billion EUR. On Wednesday the debate on the draft budget for 2016 was kicked off in Parliament. It is misleading and designed with the general election set for March in mind, said the opposition Christian Democrats party starting off the debate that many other MPs have already signed to take the floor in.