Will Durango be able to reach December with its accounts in order? The state government aimed to eliminate the deficit and keep debt under control, but federal cuts, volatility in its own revenues, and spending pressure raise questions about the true state of its finances.
A budget that promised a “zero balance”
For 2025, the State Congress approved an Expenditure Budget of 47.177 billion pesos, with the goal of not generating a deficit. On paper, the numbers add up: a zero balance was planned and correction mechanisms were included in case revenues do not arrive as projected.
The blow of federal cuts
The reality has been less kind. Around 2 billion pesos in federal cuts have fallen like a bucket of cold water on state finances. Health, education, and culture are the hardest hit areas: from over 300 million pesos in payroll and medicine debts, to cuts to the Health Services Contribution Fund and the slashing of cultural festivals. The question is inevitable: will local revenue be able to make up for this gap before the end of the year?
Spending that cannot be postponed
While revenues are tightening, obligations continue unabated. Payroll, pensions, education, and health are difficult areas to cut without affecting the quality of services. At the same time, the execution of year-end public works has been accelerated to avoid leaving resources unused.
Debt: the big variable to watch
The state executive branch boasts of having eliminated the deficit and not having incurred new debt. However, the accounting reports as of June show liabilities that must be settled, and the Financial Discipline Law requires a response if revenues fall. Will this discipline be maintained until the last day of the fiscal year, or will short-term loans be used?
The way Durango closes its fiscal year will determine the start of 2026. In a context of federal cuts and spending pressures, citizen oversight of every public dollar will be key.
The question remains: will the state be able to fulfill its “zero balance” promise, or will it end up resorting to debt to balance the books?
Source: elsiglodedurango
