Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento announced that the 2025 budget surplus (excedente orçamental) will be a “pleasant surprise” when official data is released this Thursday by the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estatística or INE). While the government previously forecast a surplus of 0.3% of GDP, the final figure is expected to be significantly higher. However, officials warned that 2026 may face a deficit due to the economic impact of recent storms and international conflicts. Residents should note that a strong surplus often influences government decisions on tax cuts and public investment.