60 MPs voted for the budget, 35 were against.
The budget revenue is projected at EUR 7.37 billion and expenditures at EUR 7.65 billion. Compared to the 2015 budget, revenue is expected to increase by EUR 114.2 million and expenditures by EUR 183.2 million. Gross domestic product is projected at EUR 26.13 billion.
The permissible total budget deficit has been set at 1 percent of GDP. The maximum national debt level at the end of 2016 has been set at EUR 10.1 billion.
However the highlight of the debate was a barnstorming performance by Martins Bondars of the Regional Alliance who whipped out a shoe as he stood at the lectern and thundered:
"This shoe is a symbol of the 2016 budget - it doesn't fit!"
Plenty other speakers followed with criticism of the budget but none were able to match Bondars' showmanship and winding up the debate Greens and Farmers Union MP Karlis Serzants attempted a gag based on socks that could only be described as lame.
Earlier both Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma and Finance Minister Janis Reirs stressed that external and internal security were the main priorities of the government's spending plans.
Saeima today also endorsed a number of budget-related bills, including a bill on introduction of the so-called solidarity tax, amendments to the microenterprise tax regulations, a bill on increasing and differentiating the non-taxable minimum income. Saeima also approved the government's plan not to reduce the personal income tax rate but increase the excise tax on alcoholic beverages, oil products, electronic cigarettes and tobacco, gaming and gambling.
Additional funds will be allotted to the National Armed Forces and development of the Home Guard next year, as well as for consolidating cyber security. Extra funds will also be provided to the police, Fire and Rescue Service, and the Border Guard.
Budget funds for healthcare and education will also increase next year, and spending on road and highway management and renovation will also be raised.
The minimum monthly wage will be increased from the current EUR 360 to EUR 370 next year. According to Finance Minister Janis Reirs, the priorities of the 2016 budget include national security, improving access to healthcare and quality of education.
Saeima will vote on the 2016 budget in the final reading on November 30.
