After a heated three-day debate, the state budget on Wednesday was voted through in parliament, with the backing of Disy, Diko, Elam, Edek, Depa and independent MP Andreas Themistocleous.

The budget for 2025 garnered a total of 37 votes in favour and 18 against, with Elam stipulating it was voting against any funds that would go towards migration.

Casting a negative vote were Akel, the Greens, independent MP Alexandra Attalidou and independent socialist MP Kostis Efstathiou.

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos heralded the development, expressing his gratitude to political parties that voted in favour of the budget for the “responsible stance” they demonstrated.

In statements immediately after the vote, he said “our budget is balanced, focused on development and reflects the needs of society. Through this tool, we will continue the way we have to date, with growth, benefiting all of society.”

As of tomorrow, the state, economy and society will move forward with their growth, as the budget outlines, he underlined.

The 2025 state budget marks an increase in expenditure and significant changes in revenue and spending. Total expenditure for the budget amounts to €9.4 billion, reflecting a 3.25 per cent increase compared to the 2024 budget, while total projected revenues are expected to reach €11.75 billion, marking a 4.1 per cent increase.

Overall, the total expenditure amounts to €12.93 billion, including €3.53 billion allocated to the permanent fund, which does not require legislative approval as it covers fixed state expenses.

Following the vote, Disy issued a statement stressing it supported the state budget to illustrate a responsible approach, despite concerns it had.

“We will monitor the budget’s implementation closely.”

The session was not without hiccups, as university students protested outside parliament amid efforts to slash state funding for them.

Akel’s efforts to submit a verbal amendment to one of the laws sparked irritation, compounded by Elam’s effort to amend Akel’s initial amendment.

A total of 86 amendments were submitted, of which 38 were voted through. Most concern a requirement of written consent of briefings from the House finance committee before moving forward with spending for various projects.

One amendment concerns a five per cent cut in the state’s operating expenditure, excluding expenditure on water, medicines, medical supplies, payment of rent, lighting, heating, fuel for non-office premises, the national mechanism for women’s rights and the framework for promoting the Gesy’s implementation.  

Direct taxes are now slated for a 4.9 per cent increase, reaching €3.92 billion, while indirect taxes are projected to reach €4.56 billion, an increase of 5.6 per cent. Non-tax revenues show the highest percentage increase of 10.3 per cent, reaching €1.83 billion.

Government officials who attended the vote were Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, Energy Minister George Papanastasiou, Deputy Welfare Minister Marilena Evangelou, Deputy Research Minister Nicodemous Damianou and government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis.