Berova: "We Have Started Implementing Revenue-Boosting Measures"

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV's "Sabah Postası," hosted by Gökhan Altıner, Berova stated, "By the end of this month, preparations for the 2025 budget will commence. With the measures taken by Turkey, we will enter 2025 with more predictable inflation."

Reflecting on the budget process, Berova described it as the "art of planning from one year to the next" and admitted that the 2024 budget presented unique challenges. He explained that the budget is not just for the state's general finances but also encompasses various institutions and organizations under the Central Government Budget. "If there is a gap between income and expenditure within this budget, we acknowledge and record it," he said.

"We Had Already Stated and Written Our Budget in January"

Berova mentioned that the 2024 budget anticipates a deficit of 6.75 billion TL. Addressing critics, he responded to speculations about short-term borrowing in recent months. "Some opposition figures made speculative claims about the public finances being tight due to short-term, three-month borrowings. But we had already stated and written our budget in January. We have managed to get to this point with a total borrowing of 1.5 billion TL, 800 million TL of which was short-term. After paying salaries, we collect and repay this money within the first week."

"Unforeseen Expenses Have Also Emerged"

Minister Berova acknowledged that while there is some financial strain, this is partly due to unforeseen expenses that were not accounted for in the budget. "For example, we had to make an additional payment of 400 million TL to strengthen the financial structure of Eastern Mediterranean University. There were also other unforeseen expenses related to drought and other issues in the citrus industry that had to be covered by reserve funds."

Emphasizing the ongoing efforts to boost revenues, Berova reiterated that preparations for the 2025 budget would begin by the end of August, aiming for a more stable inflation outlook, supported by measures taken in Turkey.