In Senegal, a major political decision has just sparked strong reactions within the political class and civil society; it concerns the adoption of the budget for the year 2025 by the National Assembly without prior debate. This unprecedented step, decided by the Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, was perceived as an authoritarian and hasty act by the opposition, which sees it as a violation of the constitution.
Indeed, the government has engaged its responsibility by exposing the 2025 budget to a motion of censure before the National Assembly, an exceptional procedure that has been the subject of harsh criticism. According to its detractors, this maneuver has prevented any democratic and contradictory debate on the budgetary orientations and strategic choices of the government for the coming year.
This unilateral decision was also perceived as a restriction of the role of deputies, who were deprived of their fundamental right to deliberate on a subject as crucial as the State budget. Indeed, transparency and accountability are essential principles of any democracy, and the absence of parliamentary debate calls into question these fundamental democratic values.
Faced with this situation, the opposition vigorously denounced this forceful passage by the government, seeing it as an attack on the balance of powers and a challenge to the independence of Parliament. Opposition MPs expressed their indignation and disapproval of this expeditious method that ignores established democratic and parliamentary procedures.
It is essential that any major political decision be subject to in-depth debate, critical analysis and democratic consultation. Democracy can only function in a healthy and sustainable manner if the principles of deliberation, representativeness and pluralism are respected. The government must demonstrate greater openness and dialogue to ensure transparent and legitimate governance.
In conclusion, the adoption of the 2025 budget without parliamentary debate in Senegal raises questions about democratic practices and political governance in the country. It is essential that political authorities take into account the legitimate concerns of the opposition and civil society to ensure informed and consensual decision-making. Only an inclusive and participatory approach will strengthen democracy and the legitimacy of institutions in Senegal.