Lisbon, Oct. 29, 2024 (Lusa) - The balance of the Social Security budget up to 30 September was €422 million higher than in the same period of the previous year, the minister of labour said in parliament.

"Up to 30 September, compared to the same period last year, the balance of the Social Security budget is €422 million higher than in the same period last year," said Minister Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho, who was speaking at a joint hearing with the committees on Labour, Social Security and Inclusion and Budget, Finance and Public Administration.

The government expects to have a "solid budget situation" by the end of the year, with a surplus of around €4.4 billion.

According to the figures released by the government, the total balance up to September totalled €4.308 billion.

In turn, revenue increased by €3.037 billion, €1.857 billion of which relates to growth in tax revenue.

Benefits and social action saw an increase of €386 million.

For the minister, the State Budget for 2025 will make it possible to continue with a policy that reconciles employment and social action, in favour of the most fragile, while maintaining "good accounts".

The report accompanying the budget proposal already stated that the Social Security surplus should exceed €4.6 billion in 2025.

PE/ADB // ADB.

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