The proposed Seychelles 2025 budget of SCR 11.9 billion has sparked debate, with the opposition labeling it as an ‘election budget’ that fails to address real economic issues. Leader of Government Business Bernard Georges defended the budget’s intentions, citing a surplus and improved economic conditions, while opposition leader Sebastien Pillay questioned its feasibility and relevance to citizens’ cost of living.

On November 5, 2024, the proposed 2025 budget for Seychelles elicited contrasting opinions from the political leaders under the National Assembly. Minister of Finance, Naadir Hassan, aims to secure approval for a historic budget of SCR 11.9 billion ($880 million), marking an increase of 11.9 percent over the previous year. The Leader of the Opposition, Sebastien Pillay, criticized the budget as politically motivated, indicating that it is laden with unfulfilled promises ahead of the upcoming elections. He contended that the budget fails to address the significant cost of living challenges faced by residents and questioned the government’s ability to fund the numerous proposed projects amidst declining tourism revenues. In contrast, Bernard Georges, the Leader of Government Business, defended the budget, citing an improvement in Seychelles’ economic situation and an anticipated primary surplus of 1.1 percent for 2024, asserting the government’s responsiveness to the populace’s needs. He highlighted various measures, including increased public sector salaries and initiatives aimed at stimulating economic activity and aiding construction efforts.

The discussion surrounding Seychelles’ 2025 budget is crucial due to the dual pressures of economic recovery and upcoming elections. With the largest budget ever proposed, concerns center around its feasibility and whether it sufficiently addresses the economic hardships that citizens currently endure. The dynamic between government intentions and opposition critique reveals a deeper narrative about fiscal management and political strategy within the Seychellois context. Declining tourism revenue further complicates the fiscal landscape, necessitating thoughtful consideration of budget allocations and priorities.

In summary, the debates over Seychelles’ 2025 budget highlight the tensions between governmental promises and economic realities. While the opposition raises significant concerns regarding the sufficiency and timing of budgetary increases and economic support, government leaders assert improvements in fiscal health and a commitment to meeting citizen needs. The discourse sets the stage for a critical examination of financial policies ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle, focusing on the government’s capability to deliver on its ambitious proposals.

Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com

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