Press review of Monday October 2, 2023: Félix Tshisekedi designated candidate of the Sacred Union of the Nation and presentation of the 2024 draft budget
This Monday, the Kinshasa newspapers highlight two major subjects: the designation of Félix Tshisekedi as candidate of the Sacred Union of the Nation for the 2023 presidential election and the presentation of the 2024 draft budget, which was declared admissible to the National Assembly.
The Sacred Union of the Nation officially nominated Félix Tshisekedi as its presidential candidate during its congress held yesterday at the People’s Palace. This decision follows the support of all political parties and groups in the Sacred Union for Tshisekedi’s candidacy. According to Congo Nouveau, this unanimous decision contrasts with the situation among the opposition’s opponents, who do not seem to reach a consensus.
EcoNews underlines that the candidacy of Félix Tshisekedi for a second presidential term was expected, with the support of multiple parties and political groups claiming to be the sacred union of the nation. Prosperity publishes the final declaration of the congress, in which all members of the Sacred Union undertake to support the outgoing president before, during and after the elections.
With this inauguration, Félix Tshisekedi now benefits from the support of heavyweights in the Congolese political arena such as Vital Kamerhe, Jean-Pierre Bemba and Modeste Bahati, underlines La Tempête des Tropiques.
At the same time, the presentation of the 2024 draft budget by Prime Minister Sama Lukonde is also making headlines. This budget, amounting to $16.6 billion, was declared admissible by the National Assembly. Le Potentiel notes that this is a first in the country’s history, with adoption of the draft budget on the same day of its presentation.
However, the editorialist of Forum des As expresses criticism regarding the distribution of priorities in this budget. According to him, sovereign institutions receive a significant share, while basic social sectors, such as education and health, as well as investments, are relegated to a secondary role.
AfricaNews underlines that the rapid adoption of this budget is motivated by the tense electoral context in view of the next polls. Electoral operations require effective financial management, which explains the urgency of adopting the budget.
In summary, Félix Tshisekedi was designated candidate of the Sacred Union of the Nation for the 2023 presidential election, benefiting from the unanimous support of the different parties and political groups. At the same time, the 2024 draft budget, amounting to $16.6 billion, was declared admissible in the National Assembly, however sparking criticism regarding the distribution of priorities.