For example, salaries for teachers, healthcare, and other commitments are projected to incur expenses of 421 million euros next year without corresponding revenues. By 2028, this amount will rise to 663 million euros, added Kulbergs. Additionally, next year, expenses for servicing the national debt will significantly increase to 681 million euros. "Therefore, these amounts need to be earned somewhere or taken from somewhere. This is the main task for next year's budget," said Kulbergs. According to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance has already reviewed the basic expenses of ministries and identified the possibility of saving 214 million euros next year. Political decisions still need to be made on this issue. "This will be a roadmap for the next government - how to save these 214 million. We need to 'weed out' the functions of the ministries; if we don't do this, there will be no savings," said Kulbergs. He emphasized that a fixed share of GDP for various expenses cannot be systematically established. For example, 5% of GDP is already allocated for defense, 1.5% for internal affairs, and healthcare also requires 6% of GDP. "If we do find a way to grow the economy, these costs will also automatically increase. For instance, if we earn 10 euros, 2 euros will automatically go to defense and internal affairs. Yes, this is necessary, but defense spending should be assessed based on capabilities - how much money is specifically needed to increase those capabilities," explained the Prime Minister. He stated that it is essential to ensure economic growth. For example, accelerating growth to 1.5% would provide an additional 300 million euros in tax revenues - the amount needed for healthcare. The Prime Minister added that EU funding for the next period may be delayed, and Latvia could receive less EU funds until 2029. "We cannot disregard this; we should be cautious. These are large sums of money that Latvia receives," added Kulbergs.
