Primorye delays social payments: regional budget cut by 3.8 billion rubles

Authorities in Primorsky Krai have warned residents of possible delays in state payments due to strain on the regional budget. "Individual social support measures will be financed in stages, so some transfers may be subject to temporary delays," according to a statement from the regional Ministry of Labor and Social Policy published on Telegram.

Officials did not specify the duration of delays, only promising to fulfill all obligations "as necessary funding becomes available."

A week ago, Primorye's legislative assembly reduced the current year's budget by 3.8 billion rubles ($47.1 million) across 18 state programs, including healthcare, affordable housing, education, and social support. At the same time, 1.5 billion rubles ($18.6 million) was added to the regional reserve fund to support veterans and military families.

About one-third of Primorye's residents—in a region with a population of 1.8 million—receive state support under 97 different programs.

War spending continues to strain both the federal budget and regional budgets. Forecasts indicate Russia's federal budget deficit will reach a record 7.345 trillion rubles ($88 billion) in 2026—nearly double the previous target of 3.785 trillion rubles ($45 billion). The new figure represents 3.2% of GDP compared to the prior goal of 1.6%.

President Vladimir Putin stated last month that the size of the budget deficit does not represent a "critical" risk to the economy.