Haiti’s transitional government on Thursday approved the national budget for fiscal year 2025–2026 during an extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting at the National Palace. The 345 billion gourde spending plan is designed to address the country’s most urgent challenges: security, food insecurity, elections, and economic recovery.
Holding the session at the National Palace, described as the seat of republican power, was presented as a signal of the state’s intent to reassert authority in the capital. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé described the moment as a privilege and an honor, stating that reclaiming the venue was the result of ongoing work.
Reports indicated heightened tensions in the Champ de Mars area of downtown Port-au-Prince as the council, chaired by presidential adviser Leslie Voltaire in the absence of Transitional Presidential Council (CPT) president Laurent Saint-Cyr, convened. According to press accounts, exchanges of gunfire occurred between security forces and armed members of the “Viv Ansanm” gang coalition near the palace. Some agenda items were not addressed, and members of the CPT and the government were evacuated.
Drafted in coordination with the Ministries of Economy and Finance and Planning, the 2025–2026 budget focuses on four key pillars: restoring public security, organizing inclusive and democratic elections, stabilizing macroeconomic indicators, and sustainably improving living conditions.
The government stated that 70% of the budget will be financed by domestic revenues, supported by a reinforced tax and customs administration. No new taxes are planned, and authorities are keeping the measures from the April 2025 supplemental budget.
Sector allocations: Security and education lead
Sector allocations demonstrate clear priorities: nearly 35% goes to salaries, funding the Ministry of National Education and Vocational Training, the Haitian National Police, and the recruitment of new police and 2,500 soldiers to bolster security. Sixteen percent support restoring public security and organizing elections to address gang violence and election preparations, while 15% prioritize education, reaffirming its primary importance.
The plan also includes targeted measures to support domestic production and growth, protect companies investing in Haiti, and adjust the implementation of the General Tax Code in line with private-sector requests.
The Prime Minister thanked members of the Transitional Presidential Council and the Cabinet for their “collaboration” and “steadfast support” in shaping a budget he described as pivotal for the country’s future.
