(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 19.​ In 2026, 41 percent of total budget expenditures and 68 percent of current expenditures, amounting to 17.1 billion manat ($10 billion), will be allocated to social spending, Azerbaijan's Finance Minister, Sahil Babayev, said at today's plenary session of the parliament, Trend reports.

Speaking at a discussion on the draft law“On the State Budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026,” Babayev noted that this represents an increase of 2.5 billion manat ($1.47 billion), or 17 percent, compared to the execution figures for 2024, underscoring the government's commitment to maintaining social priorities.

Over the medium-term budget period, socially oriented expenditures are expected to rise by 5.6 billion manat ($3.29 billion), or 48 percent, compared to 2022. Funds aimed at strengthening social protection for the population are projected at 4.9 billion manat ($2.88 billion), exceeding 2025 by 121 million manat ($71.1 million) and 2024 execution figures by 722 million manat ($424.6 million). Over the four-year medium-term period, these expenditures have grown by 41 percent.

Next year, social benefits, pensions, and other social payments are projected at 2.8 billion manat ($1.65 billion), an increase of 151 million manat ($88.8 billion) compared to the current year.

Expenditures related to the social protection of former internally displaced persons are projected at 285 million manat ($167.6 million), reflecting continued attention to vulnerable groups.

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