German government tax revenues have slightly risen in the first half of 2024, in comparison to the same period of last year. According to the German Finance Ministry's monthly report, tax revenues amounted to 176.5 billion euros, an increase of 4.6 percent or 7.8 billion euros compared to the first half of 2023. In addition, the German government received around 20 billion euros in other revenues, such as interest income, toll payments and income from the sale of shares. At the same time, government spending fell by 4 percent thanks to lower interest rates. On the other hand, the German government was forced to increase its spending on social benefits and pension insurance in the first half of this year, compared to the same period in 2023. The federal government intends to take on another 11.3 billion euros of additional debt in the supplementary budget, which is intended to balance the growing need for social benefits. In a weak economy, the federal government is entitled to borrow even when the debt br ake is in effect. Source: Qatar News Agency