The recent debate around the increase in the number of national elected officials to be paid by the Congolese State in the 2025 budget has attracted attention and provoked strong reactions within the political sphere in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The alert launched by the Center for Research in Public Finance and Local Development (CREFDL) concerning the exceeding of the planned number of national deputies to be paid has raised questions about the legitimacy of this situation.
The President of the National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe, took the floor to clarify the situation and explain the reasons behind this excess. According to his statements, this increase in the number of national elected officials to be paid stems from the benefits granted to former leaders of the National Assembly, in accordance with the provisions of the law on the status of former elected Presidents of the Republic. He stressed that these benefits are legally regulated and are not the result of an arbitrary decision.
Vital Kamerhe also cited his own case to illustrate the legitimacy of these benefits and explained that he had benefited from these benefits in the past, but had chosen to do without them after his return to the presidency of the National Assembly. This critical but constructive approach by the President of the National Assembly aims to clean up the system and ensure responsible use of public funds.
The controversy surrounding the law of 26 July 2018 on the status of former elected presidents of the Republic and establishing the benefits granted to former heads of constituted bodies raises broader questions about transparency and the management of public resources in the DRC. The need to reform these laws to ensure fair distribution of funds and avoid any abuse has become a priority for many political actors and members of civil society.
In addition, the CREFDL’s revelation of irregularities in the National Assembly’s budget forecasts for 2025 highlights the importance of increased oversight of public spending and better management of financial resources. It is essential that the relevant authorities take steps to correct these shortcomings and ensure transparent and efficient use of allocated funds.
In conclusion, this case highlights the challenges of financial governance and transparency in the public sector in the DRC. It is imperative that concrete measures are taken to ensure responsible management of public resources and strengthen citizens’ trust in government institutions.