The Senegalese nation is experiencing a grave institutional moment as the parliamentary majority, which brought the current government to power in 2024, prepares to block the 2026 rectified finance law and the 2027 initial finance law. This move has raised concerns that the country is being held hostage. The commission of laws of the National Assembly rejected the rectified finance law on October 24, citing unmet conditions, including the legal framework for special funds.
The rejection of the budget is not an insignificant act, as it will impact the state's ability to function, affecting suppliers, local authorities, hospitals, and schools. The situation may lead to delayed payments, suspended projects, and a decline in the country's credibility with technical and financial partners. Senegal needs to mobilize over 6,600 billion FCFA in 2027, with 4,552 billion FCFA dedicated to debt servicing.
The country's President has been urged to assume his constitutional responsibilities and guarantee the budget to the Senegalese people. According to Article 42 of the Constitution, the President is the guarantor of the regular functioning of public powers. Several options are available to him, including engaging the government's responsibility on the budget, using the regulatory pathway if the Assembly does not vote on the budget within the constitutional deadline, or dissolving the National Assembly.
The President can also consider building an alternative majority, as the country's republican forces are not limited to a single party. This approach would require dialogue but is a characteristic of a parliamentary democracy. The situation is being closely watched, with concerns that the standoff between the executive and legislative branches may harm the country's economic and social development.
The issue at hand is not merely a debate on the merits of transparency but a choice between a republican approach and obstructionism. The parliamentary majority's actions have sparked concerns about the potential consequences for the Senegalese people, who are eager for responses to their daily challenges, including employment, purchasing power, electricity, healthcare, and education.
The author of the article, Samba Kara NDIAYE, President of the NADEMS political party, has called on the President to take immediate action, engaging the government's responsibility on the budget and assuming the consequences before the national representation. If the blockage persists, dissolving the Assembly and submitting the country's destiny to the people is also an option.
Ultimately, the Senegalese President faces a critical decision that will determine the course of the country's future. The nation expects him to protect its interests and ensure the state's continued functioning. The situation demands a prompt response to prevent further economic hardship and institutional crisis.
Key points
- The Senegalese President is urged to take responsibility and act to resolve the budget crisis.
- The parliamentary majority's blockage of the budget has raised concerns about the country's economic and social development.
- The President has several options, including engaging the government's responsibility, using the regulatory pathway, or dissolving the National Assembly.
