Suriname’s government expenditure rose by 52.6 percent in 2025 to SRD 66.1 billion. Government spending thus increased considerably faster than revenue, which grew by 31.9 percent to SRD 52 billion. The budget deficit rose to 7.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). This is according to the Central Bank of Suriname’s (CBvS) Financial Stability Report of October 2026.
According to the Central Bank, the sharp increase in government expenditure was mainly caused by higher wage costs, election-related expenses, rising interest charges and the recapitalisation of the CBvS.
The general elections of May 2025 in particular contributed to increased government spending. In addition, the government had to make funds available for the recapitalisation of the Central Bank.
SRD 9.4 billion for CBvS recapitalisation
The report shows that the government spent SRD 9.4 billion in 2025 on the recapitalisation of the CBvS. This operation was related to the bank’s financial results for the 2021 and 2022 financial years.
The recapitalisation was initially not included in the government budget and therefore created additional budgetary pressure.
In its analysis, the Central Bank also distinguishes between total government expenditure and expenditure excluding this exceptional financial operation.
When the recapitalisation is excluded, government expenditure amounted to SRD 56.7 billion. This represents an increase of 30.9 percent compared with 2024.
Without the recapitalisation, the budget deficit would have amounted to 2.5 percent of GDP, according to the report, while a surplus of 0.7 percent would have been recorded on the primary account.
Budget balance deteriorated sharply
The deterioration in public finances is also reflected in the primary budget balance. This changed from a surplus of 0.3 percent of GDP in 2024 to a deficit of 4.2 percent in 2025.
The primary balance reflects the difference between government revenue and expenditure, excluding interest charges on public debt.
Although the government received more revenue in 2025 from taxes, dividends and royalties, this growth was insufficient to offset the increase in total expenditure.
According to the CBvS, the higher tax revenues were related, among other things, to increased economic activity, more imports and higher consumption.
Government used funds and foreign financing
To finance its expenditure, the government, in addition to regular revenue, used funds held at financial institutions, foreign loans and financing through the international capital market.
According to the Central Bank, efforts were made especially in the final quarter of 2025 to contain public finances through a more restrained policy.
For 2026, the bank assumed a gradual improvement in the budget balance in its analysis. This took into account, among other things, the expiry of temporary election expenditure and the recapitalisation of the CBvS.
However, the Central Bank warns that international tensions, higher energy prices and the related economic uncertainty could place new pressure on the budget.
