THE leader of the parliamentary Independent Group, Manasseh Maelanga has urged the government not to fail the people’s budget.
He was speaking in parliament yesterday on the record $4.18 billion 2015 national budget, which Finance Minister Snyder Rini unveiled in parliament last week.
Mr Maelanga stated that it is always his personal conviction that any budget introduced on the floor of parliament must be one that is realistic.
“That the budgets, that we will develop ourselves today or in the future by future generations must always be realistic,” the Leader of the Independent Group reaffirmed.
Mr Maelanga pointed that a realistic budget is one that must” …reflects our economy and lifeworlds,” one “…that secures a political will to be implemented in the backwaters of national priorities”, one “…that is supported with the appropriate policy directives and reformed regulations.
He further added that a realistic budget is one “…that grasps the core values of our society and development,” and one “…that is pillared on our nation’s creed to survive and to develop.”
The Leader of the Independent Group reiterated that only a budget that is realistic ought to be called the ‘people’s budget’.
Mr Maelanga also pointed out that budgets that are “…bound to fail in the short and long term are often full of inflated projections, weak economic forecasts and poor regulatory measures”.
He further added that failed budgets are ones that have “…no level of sustainability and ones that highly dependent on aid.”
“In this global uncertain time, we ought to have some important domestic certainties,” Mr Maelanga stated.
The Leader of the Independent Group cautioned the government not to fail the people’s budget.
“In the meantime, Mr Speaker Sir, do not fail this budget; do not fail the people’s budget!” Mr Maelanga reiterated.
