The Plenary Session of the Parliament has given the green light to the state budget for 2026, with 37 votes in favour and 19 against, completing the three-day debate that began on Monday.
The state budget was passed with the votes of DISY, DIKO, ELAM, EDEK and DEPA, while independent MPs Andreas Themistocleous, Andreas Apostolou and Michalis Yiacoumis also voted in favour.
AKEL, the Environmental Movement and independent MPs Kostis Efstathiou and Alexandra Attalidou voted against the state budget.
The budget for 2026 provides, among other things, for primary expenditures of €10.7 billion, i.e. an increase of approximately €508 million or 5.0% compared to last year, development expenditures which are budgeted to increase by 4.7% in 2026 compared to 2025 and an increase of 6.7% in social benefits, including spending on Education, Health and Social Welfare benefits.
A total of 92 amendments were submitted and the main ones approved concern the cutting off of any expenses in relation to the privatisation/privatisation of public organisations and state enterprises, government departments and services, with the exception of expenses related to the development of the Troodos region, the Cyprus Stock Exchange and the Larnaca Marina.
Funds were also allocated for the master plan of the Vasilikos area, for the construction of Phase One of Macedonia Avenue, for the southern extension of Academy Avenue, the commitment of credits for primary roads in Municipalities and the allocation of amounts related to housing benefits, social welfare, construction projects and solidarity fund actions.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
