During the consideration of the proposals by the Saeima for the second reading of the state budget for 2026, additional resources amounting to over 22 million euros were identified. The largest additional funding has been allocated for the 'redesign' of the Rail Baltica project - 8 million euros.
The ministry emphasized that the solutions found will allow the supported proposals to be implemented while maintaining fiscal balance and a responsible approach to managing public finances.
As noted by the Ministry of Finance, during the update and thorough review of the state budget expenditures for the next year, the expenses for managing public debt were reduced by 10 million euros, and additional funds were found in the state budget through the revision of planned dividend income from JSC "Latvijas valsts meži" amounting to 12 million euros.
The additional funding found will be directed to sectors and projects important for the country's development, security, and the well-being of society, the Ministry of Finance emphasizes.
The largest additional funding has been allocated for the redesign of the "Rail Baltica" project - 8 million euros, as well as for supporting rural family doctors - 4.8 million euros.
Another 1.8 million euros is allocated for supporting victims of violence, and 1 million euros is designated for preserving sacred heritage.
Additionally, extra funds are provided for the Ministry of Education and Science to support teachers, as well as for the Ministry of Health to create an emergency medical assistance point in the Indra municipality and other important state initiatives.
The revenues of the consolidated state budget for the next year are planned at 16.1 billion euros, with expenditures at 17.9 billion euros. Economic growth this year is estimated at 1.1%. The budget for the next year is planned to grow by 2.1%, and in subsequent years - up to 2.2%, notes the Ministry of Finance.
On Wednesday, November 19, the Cabinet of Ministers will consider the submitted proposals for the state budget.
As reported, the budget and finance (tax) commission of the Saeima received more than 450 proposals for the second and final reading of the state budget project for the next year.
During negotiations among coalition partners, an agreement was reached on almost all submitted proposals regarding the state budget project, but there are still "many technical details," said Finance Minister Arvils Ašeradens to journalists on Friday. The minister characterized the negotiations as constructive, adding that solutions for the remaining disagreements are still being sought.
In response to a question about the stability of the government, Ašeradens said that the prospects for cooperation among coalition parties could be judged after the budget is approved in the second reading.
"I have reason to hope that the government will continue its work," said the head of the Ministry of Finance, adding that he currently sees no reason for the budget not to be adopted in the final reading.
Earlier during the negotiations, coalition parties agreed not to liquidate the Public Integration Fund (PIF), reported the leader of the "Progressives" faction in the Saeima, Andris Šuvajevs.
At the same time, an audit of the fund's functions and an assessment of its administrative expenses are planned.
The idea to liquidate the fund as part of the consideration of proposals for the next year's budget was put forward by the Union of Greens and Farmers (UGF), and its initiative was supported by some opposition parties.
According to Šuvajevs, an agreement has also been reached that funding for the State Capital Culture Fund will correspond to the level established by law.
Economy Minister Viktors Valainis (UGF) informed journalists that a decision on the future of the PIF will be made after a functional audit, which will be completed at the beginning of next year. After that, it is planned to consider which functions of the fund can be transferred to ministries, as well as discuss a possible change of its name.
Valainis also mentioned that a compromise has been reached in the coalition regarding the continuation of the reconstruction of the oncology center, the allocation of additional funds for rural family doctors, and savings measures, including a reduction in expenses for the "Rail Baltica" project by 200-300 million euros.
