The Plenary of the Parliament after a long debate passed the RIK Budget for 2023 into law. Specifically, out of the 38 MPs present, 35 voted for, 1 against and 3 abstained.
During the debate that preceded the vote, criticism was made regarding the promotion of parties and MPs and the prioritization of news and issues being discussed. At the same time, the need for the existence and operation of the RIK was emphasized. Reference was made by several speakers to the need to reorganize and modernize RIK and safeguard the independence of journalists.
Based on the report of the Parliamentary Committee on the Interior to the Plenary Session of the Parliament, the RIK budget for the year 2023 is balanced and foresees expenses of €37,826,363 and income of the same amount, which will come mainly from state sponsorship (€36,826,363 ) and from other activities (€1,000,000).
RIK expenses for the year 2023 concern expenses for staff salaries (€24,622,363), general expenses and services (€1,946,500), program costs (€7,378,000), maintenance and operation of machinery and other facilities (€2,379,500), capital costs (€1,200,000), as well as unforeseen costs and reserve (€300,000).
According to the data submitted to the Interior Committee by the Ministry of the Interior, the RIK budget for the year 2023 is approximately at the same levels as the previous year and has been prepared based on the guidelines and circulars of the Ministry of Finance. Furthermore, as indicated in the said data, the state sponsorship provided for in the budget under discussion exceeds by €253,247 the maximum ceiling established in the budget of the Ministry of the Interior for this purpose in relation to the year 2023.
