Azerbaijan unveils 2025 budget focused on development and security

The Azerbaijani government has announced its proposed 2025 state budget, prioritizing socio-economic development, national security, and post-conflict reconstruction in line with the directives of President Ilham Aliyev.

The Azerbaijani government has announced its proposed 2025 state budget, prioritizing socio-economic development, national security, and post-conflict reconstruction in line with the directives of President Ilham Aliyev. The budget also aligns with the nation's Strategy for Socio-Economic Development (2022-2026), emphasizing rebuilding efforts in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, reintegrating liberated territories, and facilitating the safe return of displaced persons.

Finance Minister Samir Sharifov presented the budget plan to the Azerbaijani Parliament on November 25, highlighting its total projected expenditures of 41.4 billion manat ($24.3 billion). Of this amount, 27.7 billion manat ($16.2 billion), or two-thirds, will be directed toward key national priorities.

Sharifov noted that 4 million manat ($2.3 million), representing 9.7 percent of the total budget expenditures, is allocated to the First State Program for the Great Return. This funding will focus on developing residential areas and villages in liberated territories as part of ongoing reconstruction efforts.

A significant portion of the budget—8.4 billion manat ($4.9 billion), or 20.3 percent—is earmarked for enhancing the country’s military capabilities and modernizing its defense sector. This figure marks a 17.8 percent increase from the 2024 forecast and a substantial 43.4 percent rise compared to 2023, underscoring Azerbaijan's commitment to strengthening its national security infrastructure.

"The proposed budget reflects Azerbaijan's dedication to achieving its strategic goals, ensuring stability, and fostering sustainable development," Sharifov stated in his address.

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