Gumbs urges ministries to improve collections and cut spending

Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs told Parliament that every ministry should identify ways to collect revenue due within its area, improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary spending. Gumbs made the call while presenting the draft 2027 national budget, saying Government resources are limited and demand exceeds available funding.

The draft budget projects Cg 670 million in revenue and Cg 662 million in expenditure, for a projected surplus of about Cg 8 million, according to Gumbs. The seven ministries account for about Cg 634 million of projected expenditure, with Parliament, the High Councils of State and Special Entities bringing the total to about Cg 662 million.

Gumbs said the budget is based on existing revenue streams, expected economic growth and compliance efforts, rather than new measures that still need legislation or implementation. Those measures include a proposed tourist tax, changes to Government fees through the Legesverordening, stronger tax compliance and collection, and a possible gaming-tax framework.

Tax revenue is projected at about Cg 497 million, an increase of about Cg 19 million from the 2026 budget. Revenue from licences and permits is projected to rise by about Cg 6 million, including about Cg 5 million from more business-licence applications and about Cg 1 million from residence permits, Gumbs said.

Gumbs said ministries should also examine spending and reduce costs that can be avoided. She said higher revenue collection and savings could create room in the budget for Government priorities.