Finance and Budget Committee Reviews 2026 Budget Bill
The Finance and Budget Committee of the People's Representative Assembly (ARP) continued its review of certain articles of the 2026 budget bill on November 22, 2025, during a joint session with the corresponding committee of the National Council of Local Authorities. The Minister of Finance presented each article and responded to questions from deputies.
Article 13: Encouraging Hiring of Higher Education Graduates
This article, aimed at encouraging the hiring of higher education graduates in the private sector by covering the employer's social security contribution, was approved. The Minister clarified that graduates of vocational training are not included, as their integration into the job market is already supported.
Article 30: Olive Oil Packaging and Cost Reduction
Regarding the packaging of olive oil and reducing costs for businesses through customs and tax exemptions, the article was approved with modifications to include the requirement for an annual program validated by the relevant authorities.
Article 45: Reducing Costs of Public Projects
Relating to the reduction of costs for public projects financed by external loans and local acquisitions, the article was approved with the integration of deputies' proposals concerning customs duty exemptions and extension to industrial complexes.
Article 48: Reducing Taxation for Lithium Battery Manufacturing
On reducing taxation and customs duties for lithium battery manufacturing, the article was approved with modifications to include all necessary inputs after coordination with the Ministry of Industry.
Article 53: Regularization of Seized Goods
Concerning the regularization of goods seized by customs for over five years, allowing for the recovery of goods by paying 20% of their value, the article was approved with adjustments to the deadlines and specificity of the goods concerned.
Article 56: Mandatory Electronic Invoicing
Extending the mandatory use of electronic invoicing to service providers, the article was approved with a progressive implementation and necessary support in infrastructure and human resources.
Article 57: Simplification of Administrative Services
On simplifying administrative services for real estate, commercial, and transportation transactions by removing certain restrictions on cash payments, the article was approved after discussion on preventing the parallel economy and ensuring legal security.
