The public expenditures of the Kingdom's central government/budget went up during the first half of this year to about JD5.353 billion, compared to JD5.144 billion during the same period last year. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Finance, local revenues reached JD4.540 billion during the first half of 2024, covering current expenditures at 92.3%. As a result of the previous developments, the general budget recorded a post-aid financial deficit at about JD771.5 million. The government's debt balance rate also decreased after excluding loans from Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF) to reach 89% of the estimated GDP for June, compared to 89.2% during 2023, the statement pointed out. Source: Jordan News Agency