Parliament passes budget after late-night vote
Lawmakers approved the spending plan 212–148 shortly after midnight. Here is what changes for fuel, schools and transport.
- Budget approved 212–148 after a 14-hour debate
- Fuel duty cut by 4% from next month
- School building fund doubled; transport fares frozen for a year
Parliament approved the national budget shortly after midnight, ending a 14-hour session that ran through two adjournments and a walk-out by part of the opposition.
The finance minister called the vote “a budget for working families”, pointing to the fuel duty cut and the fare freeze on public transport. Opposition members said the plan relied on optimistic growth forecasts and would increase borrowing.
The biggest single increase goes to school construction, with the building fund doubled to replace classrooms damaged in last year's floods. Health spending rises in line with inflation.
The budget now goes to the president for signature, which is expected within the week. TezlaTV's political team will have full analysis on The Debate tonight at 9 pm.