The Cabinet of Ministers of the Russian Federation submitted a substantial package of 769 amendments to the parliament during the second reading of the draft budget for 2024–2026, as officially reported by the Ministry of Finance of Russia. This move underscores the government’s effort to refine the fiscal plan in alignment with evolving priorities and perceived needs across the economy and public sector.
Anton Siluanov, who heads the Ministry of Finance, noted that the government faced a range of priority tasks that required careful consideration and timely decisions. In his remarks, he highlighted the daily cadence of work within the ministry, with a large team evaluating numerous proposals and seeking solutions that balance fiscal responsibility with the country’s strategic goals. The process reflected a broad consultation and an intent to optimize the allocation of resources within the overall budget framework.
In the ministry’s communication, it was stated that the government prepared a total of 769 amendments, representing a redistribution of funds totaling 6.7 trillion rubles for the 2024–2026 period. This figure indicates a substantial reallocation effort aimed at sharpening the impact of the budget across various sectors and programs, while keeping total expenditure within the agreed envelope.
Siluanov further explained that the changes slated for the second reading would be confined to reallocations within the existing expenditure ceiling. He stressed that, despite the new amendments, the fundamental characteristics and guiding principles established during the first reading remained intact, including the overarching priorities and the structural approach to funding.
The minister categorized the amendments into several thematic blocks to show how resources would flow to different areas. The first block addresses financing linked to the ongoing special military operation in Ukraine, reflecting the government’s need to account for defense and security-related expenses within the broader budget framework.
The second block focuses on the recommendations raised by deputies of the State Duma after the initial assessment. These suggestions aimed to refine program targets, improve efficiency, and ensure that allocations align with policy goals. The third block takes into account the necessity of dedicating funds to activities in new regions of the country, recognizing the geographic and developmental needs that accompany changes in administrative status or investment focus.
A fourth block concerns the distribution of funds that had been set aside prior to certain policy decisions. This area captures the government’s intent to preserve flexibility for unforeseen developments while ensuring that spending remains within the established limits. The fifth block encompasses initiatives from the main financial managers to redirect allocations for the execution of government programs and projects within the framework of non-programmatic activities, allowing for adaptive financing where project scope and timing require adjustments.
In discussions within the State Duma, questions arose about the timing of the second reading for the 2024–2026 budget draft. The ongoing dialogue reflects a dynamic process where lawmakers and the executive branch work together to reconcile priorities, forecasted needs, and fiscal constraints, aiming to deliver a credible and implementable budget before the final phase of approval.