CAPITOL CITY — Parliament approved an emergency budget package early on Tuesday after coalition leaders reached an overnight agreement aimed at preventing a government funding shortfall, lawmakers and government officials said.
The package passed after hours of debate in an emergency parliamentary session convened following negotiations between governing coalition parties that extended into the early morning. Officials said the measures were designed to maintain public services and stabilize state finances while broader budget discussions continue.
Government representatives said the agreement included temporary spending authority and funding adjustments for key ministries, though full details of the package had not been released by midday Tuesday. Finance Ministry officials said the emergency legislation was intended to avert disruptions to government operations in the coming weeks.
“The agreement ensures continuity of essential state functions and provides stability while longer-term fiscal discussions proceed,” Finance Minister Elena Markovic told lawmakers during the session, according to a parliamentary broadcast.
Coalition leaders said the negotiations focused on balancing fiscal restraint with pressure from smaller governing parties seeking additional support for social programs and regional infrastructure spending. Opposition lawmakers criticized the speed of the process and said parliament had insufficient time to review the legislation before the vote.
“This parliament is being asked to approve major financial measures with limited scrutiny,” opposition leader Daniel Horvath said during debate. He added that lawmakers would continue seeking details on the projected cost of the package and its impact on public debt.
Parliamentary officials said the vote followed several days of uncertainty after earlier budget negotiations stalled late last week. Local media reported that coalition talks intensified on Monday evening as officials warned that delays could affect salary payments and government contracts, although authorities did not publicly specify which programs faced immediate risk.
Economists and business groups had urged lawmakers to reach an agreement quickly, citing concerns that prolonged uncertainty could affect investor confidence and delay planned public projects. The central bank declined to comment directly on the legislation but said in a statement on Tuesday that fiscal stability remained important for broader economic conditions.
Details regarding the duration of the emergency measures and the timetable for a full annual budget remain unclear. Government officials said coalition parties would continue negotiations in the coming days on a longer-term fiscal framework.
The approved package now moves to the head of state for formal signing, according to parliament officials, and authorities said the emergency measures could take effect later this week.
