"The government is presenting the budget bill today, and we see it as a kind of shield to protect the population in this uncertain period when energy prices are really high. So the first priority is to solve the energy situation, to provide compensation for both businesses and household in the current period, and to invest in renewable energy and additional electricity generation in the long term," Skaiste told reporters at the Seimas on Tuesday, adding that preserving people's purchasing power is another budget priority.
"1.5 billion euros are also earmarked for raising residential income to preserve people's purchasing power," the minister said.
As MPs propose various forms of tax relief for individual business groups, the finance minister said the most important thing was to help all businesses to overcome the energy challenges.
"The energy crisis is probably equally difficult for all businesses, which is why a package of 2.5 billion euros has been proposed to address the business situation," Skaiste said.
The government approved the 2023 state budget bill last Friday.