President Nayib Bukele hailed the announcement of El Salvador’s first-ever debt-free budget for 2025 as a fulfillment of his administration’s promises. Responding to a report from an economic media outlet, Bukele emphasized the significance of the self-financed budget aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on debt.
Presented to the Legislative Assembly on September 30, the budget proposal totals $9.663 billion, reflecting a decrease of $970 million compared to the 2024 budget. This landmark initiative represents a strategic shift toward economic independence, focusing on balancing government spending with revenue.
Key allocations within the budget include $1.536 billion for education, $1.170 billion for health, $576 million for early childhood programs, $903 million for security, $410 million for public works, and $1.701 billion for public investment.
The Legislative Assembly is set to receive the budget this week, with discussions expected to begin soon. According to Assembly President Ernesto Castro, approval could come as early as December, marking a significant milestone for Bukele’s fiscal policies.