Bahia fiscal situation shifts to R$7.3 billion deficit

The state of Bahia has experienced a shift in its fiscal landscape, accumulating a deficit of R$7.3 billion. This contrasts with 2022, when the state recorded a primary surplus of R$8.5 billion. In 2025, the state reported a primary deficit of R$3.3 billion, alongside a reduction in available cash reserves, which fell from R$6.6 billion in 2022 to approximately R$900 million in 2025.

The Tribunal de Contas do Estado da Bahia (TCE-BA) has noted the need to monitor state accounts due to the sequence of deficits and increasing financial commitments. However, state investments have grown, with projected spending reaching R$29.1 billion between 2023 and 2026, compared to R$23.4 billion between 2019 and 2022.

In response to these figures, the State Secretariat of Finance (Sefaz-Ba) maintains that the fiscal situation remains solid, citing the state's debt levels and payment capacity. Marcus Pestana, executive director of the Senate's Independent Fiscal Institution (IFI), described the situation as healthy and controlled, noting that the state maintains a small debt and comfortable debt-to-revenue ratios.