Cyprus general government deficit up by 0.4% annually in first six months of 2021

The general government deficit rose by 0.4% or €100.4 mn in the first six months of the year, compared with the same period of 2020.

The preliminary General Government fiscal results, announced Friday by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (CYSTAT) showed a deficit of €711.9 mn (3.3% of GDP) for the period of January-June 2021, compared with a deficit of €611.5 mn (2.9% of GDP) during the period of January-June 2020.

EXPENDITURE

During the period of January-June 2021, total expenditure increased by €523.5 mn (+12.1%) and amounted to €4,840.3 mn, compared with €4,316.8 mn in the corresponding period of 2020.

The increase in specific expenditure categories was a result of support measures taken to address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Social benefits increased by €203.1 mn (+12.6%) and amounted

Source: Cyprus News Agency