Irion questions revenue collection and proposed fees in 2027 budget debate

He asked whether lottery booths operate under the required legal and regulatory arrangements and whether their operators contribute to government revenue. Irion also asked about a collection initiative involving commercial long-lease holders on government land. He said a list had been made of outstanding obligations, including cases in which payments had reportedly not been made since 2018.

Irion questioned whether the Minister of VROMI had continued that initiative, whether the Ministry of Finance was involved and how much had been recovered. He said government should pursue existing revenue sources before placing further financial burdens on residents.

The MP also questioned discussions on introducing a tipping fee for waste disposal at the landfill. Irion said a system in which users contribute to waste-management costs may eventually be needed, but questioned whether it should be introduced while residents and businesses face electricity bills, inflation and other expenses.

Irion criticised what he described as a proposed 15% increase in government travel expenditure. He also questioned budget planning after concerns raised by the Committee for Financial Supervision, or CFT, on investment planning, liquidity and capital-project execution.

He asked why projects would be included in the budget without completed plans, cost estimates, construction drawings or implementation schedules. Irion said Parliament should consider amending the budget to remove or postpone projects that are not sufficiently developed.

Irion further questioned why the 2027 budget does not set out a financial strategy to reduce GEBE electricity costs. He proposed considering solar systems at government buildings, schools, parking facilities and other public properties, and asked whether funding could be secured for such projects during 2027.

He also requested updates on healthcare financing, SZV obligations, General Health Insurance and GEBE's financial arrangements. Irion raised concerns about public-school resources, referring to reports that some parents have bought supplies such as toilet paper.