Title: Reopening of the budget session in Kinshasa: solidarity with deputies in financial difficulty
Introduction: In an official press release, the president of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa, Godé Mpoy Kadima, announced that the opening ceremony of the September Ordinary Session, essentially budgetary, will not be able to take place in person due to lack of financial means. This decision echoes the difficulties encountered by the other Provincial Assemblies of the country, which have suffered from non-payment of emoluments and operating costs for more than four months. In order to show his solidarity, the president of the Kinshasa parliament decided to postpone the opening of the session and to go on medical leave for medical appointments planned for several months. This article will look at the consequences of this situation on the governance and functioning of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa.
A gesture of solidarity towards the other Provincial Assemblies
The decision of the President of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa to postpone the opening ceremony of the budget session due to financial difficulties is not insignificant. Indeed, this measure aims to show the solidarity of the Assembly of Kinshasa towards the other provincial Assemblies of the country which are going through a similar crisis. Faced with unpaid emoluments and operating costs which have continued for several months, this action aims to raise awareness among the competent authorities of the difficulties encountered by provincial deputies and to encourage a rapid resolution of this worrying situation.
A crucial session for budgetary issues
The September session of the Kinshasa Provincial Assembly is of particular importance because of its essentially budgetary nature. Indeed, this period marks the examination and adoption of the provincial budget for the coming year. Without an official opening of the session, budgetary work risks being delayed, which could have consequences on the proper functioning of the provincial administration and on the implementation of planned development projects.
Governance by proxy
With the postponement of the opening of the ordinary session in September, the president of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa will have to ensure the governance of the Assembly remotely. In accordance with article 16 of the Law on the Free Administration of the Provinces, he declared the session open remotely, since he will be on medical leave in Paris. This raises questions about the ability to ensure effective and transparent governance of the Provincial Assembly in the physical absence of the President. It is essential that mechanisms are put in place to ensure fluid communication and collective decision-making despite the distance.
Conclusion: The decision of the President of the Provincial Assembly of Kinshasa to postpone the opening of the budget session for financial and health reasons is a gesture of solidarity towards other Provincial Assemblies in difficulty. However, this raises questions about the consequences this could have on the governance and functioning of the Assembly. It is essential to take measures to ensure effective and transparent governance despite current constraints. Let us hope that this situation is resolved quickly, in order to allow the implementation of the budgetary decisions necessary for the development of the province of Kinshasa.