Greek parliament is set to adopt an almost double defence budget

Athens: Greece will almost double its defence spending with parliamentary debate on the 2025 state budget expected to culminate Sunday with a roll cal...

Athens: Greece will almost double its defence spending with parliamentary debate on the 2025 state budget expected to culminate Sunday with a roll-call vote, traditionally regarded as a vote of confidence in the government.

As announced, spending for the defence ministry will rise to 6.1 billion euros ($6.5 billion) from 3.6 billion euros, due to the increase in equipment deliveries in 2025.

"Compared to 2019, by 2025, spending on health will have increased by 74 percent and spending on defence by 73 percent, underlining the government's priorities", Minister of Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis said late November when he submitted the state budget for 2025 to parliament.

The major opposition parties, PASOK and SYRIZA as well as the Hellenic Solution party, have said they will vote in favour of the increased defense spending.

Nikos Dendias, the defence minister, told parliament Saturday that the spending is essential because of the challenges the country faces.