Ljubljana, 20 October (STA) - The parliamentary Finance Committee reviewed on Monday the government's draft budget for 2027, rejecting all proposed amendments from the opposition. Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič acknowledged that reducing the projected EUR 2.1 billion deficit was a key task.
The draft budget for 2027 forecasts revenues of EUR 16 billion against expenditures of EUR 18.1 billion. The resulting EUR 2.1 billion deficit is equivalent to 2.8% of GDP.
"As the finance minister, I would naturally wish for a lower deficit, and reducing it will be a key task," Boštjančič stated. "However, this will not be at the expense of development, social cohesion, and security." He added that his goal was to achieve financial stability for a country that was socially secure and future-oriented.
The minister said that funds would be directed towards education, science, and research. Other priorities include ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply, promoting investment, accelerating the transition to a high-productivity economy, and funding pensions, healthcare, and national security.
The Finance Committee was the last parliamentary body to scrutinise the 2027 proposal. It did not review the proposed amendments to the 2026 budget, as the deadline for submitting changes has not yet expired.
The opposition was critical of the government's plans. "This budget is heading in completely the wrong direction," said Rado Gladek of the Democratic Party (SDS), pointing out that annual government spending is set to rise from EUR 13 billion to EUR 18 billion in just a few years.
"How will we spend these billions? Is our economy any more competitive for it?" he asked, suggesting the government would "pass the cost of these pre-election giveaways onto future taxpayers."
His party peer Suzana Lep Šimenko argued "it is not a development-oriented, balanced, or responsible" budget, adding Slovenia was living beyond its means. She also questioned the projected 5% growth in tax revenue as unrealistic, given that "consumption is stagnating, people are saving, and companies are reducing investment."
Aleš Lipičnik from the ruling Freedom Movement party on the other hand warned against painting bleak scenarios, which he said could become self-fulfilling prophecies. He expressed confidence in the budget, particularly praising the increased investment in knowledge and people.
The opposition SDS and New Slovenia (NSi) parties had submitted a total of 21 amendments to the 2027 budget proposal. The Finance Committee, acting as the lead committee, rejected every one. It did, however, call on the government to consider the suggestions from committee members when preparing its revised draft.
The government now has until 5 November to submit a revised budget proposal. The National Assembly is expected to hold a final vote on both the 2026 and 2027 budgets during its regular session in November.
