Latvian PM says there is no room for Rail Baltica in next year’s budget

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa says she sees no way to find additional funding for Rail Baltica in the state budget plan for 2025.

On Tuesday, at the meeting of the Saeima’s Budget and Finance Committee, Siliņa and the minister of finance presented the government’s prepared budget project. After the PM’s address, opposition member Kristaps Krištopans said he is “slightly fascinated” by the fact that no one mentioned Rail Baltica.

The budget covers co-financing for Rail Baltica in the amount of 15%, but no other funding amount is planned. The politician said the parliamentary inquiry committee has concluded the completion of the central railway station in Riga requires EUR 114 million from the national budget. The proposals from the Ministry of Transport will also cost additional finances, stressed the opposition member.

“It is unavoidable – if we want to continue the project of the century, we will have to open up our wallets,” said Krištopans.

The PM said the government was forced to cut EUR 50 million of financing for various ministries. “I don’t see how we can afford to find additional financing for Rail Baltica,” said Siliņa.

The PM expects the Ministry of Transport, Rail Baltica and European Railway Lines to provide a clear vision as to how they plan to cover their costs, wages included. She will also wait for a report from the parliament’s inquiry committee. “If you find a way to secure EUR 118 million in the budget, we will execute the Saeima’s decision,” said Siliņa.

Also read: Rail Baltica inquiry committee includes people associated with the project

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Publish date : 2024-10-22 03:32:00

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