Finance Minister Muhammad Barnieh announced the 2025 performance of Syria’s general budget, highlighting what he described as a continued commitment to transparency in publishing financial data, revenue sources and government spending.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Barnieh said total public spending in 2025 reached about 379.2 billion Syrian pounds (SYP), equivalent to $3.447 billion. The figure represents a 45.7% increase from 2024. Spending on wages and salaries made up the largest share of expenditures, accounting for 41% of the total.
At the same time, total public revenues climbed to about 384.2 billion SYP, or $3.493 billion, marking a 120.2% increase compared with the previous year. Ministry figures attributed much of that rise to stronger economic activity and intensified anti-corruption measures, with customs duties contributing roughly 39% of total revenue.
First Surplus in Decades
The improved revenue performance resulted in a modest budget surplus of about 5 billion SYP, or $46 million. According to the ministry, this is the country’s first fiscal surplus since 1990. The surplus represents 0.15% of gross domestic product, which stood at $30.6 billion in 2025.
That marks a sharp turnaround from the 2024 deficit, which reached 2.7% of GDP. In a statement published on the ministry’s Telegram channel, officials said the surplus reflected disciplined public financial management as well as continued efforts to reduce corruption and limit wasteful spending.
Larger Social and Reconstruction Spending Ahead
Looking ahead, the ministry released preliminary projections for 2026 and 2027 indicating to significantly higher spending. Public spending in the 2026 budget is expected to rise to about $10.516 billion, more than triple the 2025 level.
Officials said the increase will focus primarily on social programs and investment spending, with additional allocations expected for reconstruction and poverty reduction initiatives. For 2026, total public revenues are projected at roughly $8.716 billion. Oil and gas income is expected to account for about 28% of that total, with all proceeds directed into the state’s general budget.
Focus Turns to 2027 Planning
The ministry said it plans to publish further details in the coming days on areas of public interest related to the 2026 budget. Work on the 2027 budget is scheduled to begin next month before moving to discussion in the People’s Assembly of Syria during the final quarter of 2026.
The Finance Ministry said it remains committed to improving financial disclosure so citizens can better understand where public revenue comes from and how state funds are spent. In a related statement issued last August, Barnieh said the 2026 general budget would mark a significant shift in public financial management aligned with Syria’s economic policy goals.
