Additional resources in budget will be invested in defense, internal security, health care, education and science - Karins

RIGA - The additional resources in the 2023 budget will be invested in defense, internal security, health care, education and science, said Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) after the coalition council meeting today.

The prime minister said that there is no final agreement on the budget, but it has been outlined that the additional resources will be invested in defense, internal security, health care, education and science,

The coalition will continue work on the budget and the goal of the prime minister is to reach an agreement in the coalition by the end of this week and forward this matter to the government.

Karins said that it is important that the 2023 budget starts to implement the government's main goals and priorities.

The coalition also reached a political agreement on formation of Cabinet of Ministers committees when necessary in order to improve cross-sectoral cooperation, said Karins.

According to the updated budget drafting timetable, from January 4 to 12, the government will decide on prioritized budget initiatives for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

By January 13, the government is expected to submit to the Finance Ministry an estimate of the maximum permissible budget expenditures planned for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The package of budget related bills has to be prepared and submitted to the government by January 19. The government will review the package of budget related legislation on January 24 and 31.

The government plans to approve the bill on the 2023 state budget and the budget framework for 2023, 2024 and 2025 at a cabinet meeting on February 7. On the next day, February 8, the budget bill for 2023 will be submitted to the European Commission and Eurogroup.

On February 9, the bill on the 2023 state budget and the budget framework for 2023, 2024 and 2025, as well as related draft legislation have to be delivered to the Saeima, according to the timetable.