LJUBLJANA, March 31 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia's general government deficit rose to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025, up from 0.9 percent in 2024, the country's Statistical Office said on Tuesday.
The deficit totaled 1.75 billion euros (2.01 billion U.S. dollars), compared with 600 million euros (690 million dollars) a year earlier, according to official data.
Both the central and local government subsectors recorded deficits, with the bulk generated by the central government, the office said.
The increase was mainly driven by higher public spending, including a 9.4 percent rise in public sector wages, and increased investment in defense and infrastructure.
According to the government's 2026 budget plan, the deficit is expected to widen further to about 2.1 billion euros (2.4 billion dollars), or 2.9 percent of GDP, partly due to increased defense spending in line with NATO commitments.
Meanwhile, Slovenia's general government debt rose to 46.3 billion euros (53.2 billion dollars) by the end of 2025, up from 44.8 billion euros (51.5 billion dollars) a year earlier. ■
