Russia plans to restore its traditional approach to creating the national budget, restoring full participation by the parliament in the process. This stance was conveyed by Anton Siluanov, who was cited as a candidate for the role of Minister of Finance, during a meeting of the State Duma Budget Committee. The briefing underscored the intention to re-establish a budget process that actively involves lawmakers as key stakeholders in shaping fiscal policy. The communication, as reported by the official briefing channels, highlighted the importance of returning to a system where parliamentary input is integral to how budget decisions are drafted, reviewed, and approved. The overall message emphasizes accountability and transparency in how public funds are allocated and how budget priorities align with national aims.
According to the remarks, every task set by the president this year that requires budget financing will be addressed through amendments to the budget law. This approach is designed to empower members of parliament to take a more hands-on role in allocating resources and assessing program feasibility. By enabling amendments within the framework of the budget law, lawmakers gain the ability to scrutinize proposed expenditures and ensure they reflect stated policy goals while maintaining fiscal discipline. The plan also signals a commitment to an open process where legislators can question allocations, propose changes, and monitor outcomes more directly. The emphasis is on enhancing legislative participation while preserving fiscal stability and policy coherence.
Siluanov added that the Ministry of Finance currently possesses limited capacity to reallocate spending immediately within the ongoing budget implementation without formal changes to the law. Still, the ministry is committed to maximizing openness and encouraging ongoing participation from parliamentarians. This openness is viewed as essential for aligning budget execution with long-term strategic priorities, ensuring that urgent needs are funded while maintaining a transparent path for adjusting programs as conditions evolve.
The candidate stressed that the Ministry’s primary program objective is to secure the necessary resources to fully realize the nation’s development goals and the large-scale national projects outlined by the president. Among the stated priorities are providing targeted support to citizens in need, advancing technological sovereignty, reinforcing state security, and maintaining focus on the ongoing special military operations as part of national defense considerations. The described priorities reflect a balanced approach that seeks to protect vulnerable populations, invest in innovation and resilience, and sustain security commitments in a changing global context.
In the 2024 budget, defense expenditures exceeded social policy expenditures for the first time, at 28.3% versus 21.5%. The data show a notable allocation to the nation’s economy at 11.5% of total expenditures, with 9% designated for security and law enforcement activities. These figures illustrate a shift in fiscal emphasis—allocating more funding to defense and security, while maintaining support for economic activity and social programs. Observers note that such a balance reflects strategic priorities and the government’s effort to position the economy for growth, stabilize essential services, and ensure national safety in a complex regional environment.
The discussion also touched on anticipated changes in tax policy, signaling potential shifts that could affect revenue and public services. The dialogue around tax reform has a long history in the national policy discourse, and the current conversations aim to set clear directions for how tax policy might evolve to support development goals, improve efficiency, and ensure a fair tax system. The parliament’s role in these deliberations is highlighted as a key factor in achieving consensus and implementing policy changes with broad support.
Earlier statements from the State Duma indicated that public discussions around tax reform would continue, emphasizing the desire to engage citizens and stakeholders in meaningful dialogue about how tax policy can better align with national priorities. The ongoing public exchange is framed as part of a broader effort to modernize fiscal policy, enhance transparency, and foster greater trust in government action.