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Slovakia\u2019s National Council has approved the government\u2019s draft state budget for 2027. A total of 76 MPs voted in favour, the minimum number required for its adoption.<\/p>\n
Under the approved plan, state budget revenue in 2027 is projected at \u20ac63.343 billion, while expenditure is expected to reach \u20ac70.786 billion. The planned deficit stands at \u20ac7.443 billion, or 4.94% of GDP.<\/p>\n
The budget was supported by MPs from the governing coalition parties Smer, Hlas and SNS, as well as three representatives of Strana vidieka, led by Sports Minister Rudolf Huliak. Opposition MPs did not register for the vote, describing the proceedings in parliament as a disgrace. Tom\u00e1\u0161 Taraba, who was recently removed from his post as environment minister, also abstained.<\/p>\n Hlas leader and Interior Minister Mat\u00fa\u0161 \u0160utaj E\u0161tok described the budget as a \u201cstabilising element of the governing coalition\u201d. The opposition, however, criticised the plan, warning that the country could face financial collapse. According to Michal \u0160ime\u010dka, leader of Progres\u00edvne Slovensko, the consequences of the current policies could eventually leave Slovakia in a position where international creditors dictate its terms.<\/p>\n Opposition MPs have already filed a petition with the Constitutional Court. They argue that the budget fails to consolidate public finances and does not comply with the constitutional law on fiscal responsibility, which, in their interpretation, requires the government to present a balanced budget.<\/p>\n SaS MP Martina Marcinov\u00e1 pointed out that Slovakia is at the highest level of the debt-brake sanctions mechanism, yet the government has not presented a plan to reduce public debt. In her assessment, by the end of 2027, the debt will be \u20ac31 billion higher than it was when the current government took office.<\/p>\n Marcinov\u00e1 also linked increases in taxes and contributions to business closures and companies relocating abroad. According to her, more than 5,500 people have lost their jobs as a result. She believes that Slovakia\u2019s EU membership and access to European funds are among the main factors protecting the country from a financial crisis.<\/p>\nCoalition Talks of Stability, Opposition Warns of Risk of Financial Collapse<\/strong><\/h2>\n