** Analysis of the National Assembly Financial Management report: between priorities highlighted and recurring questions **
On Friday, April 11, the office of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) presented a report on the financial management of the Lower Chamber for the year 2024. This session, led by Chimène Polipoli, quaestor of the Assembly, made it possible to reveal the budgetary forecasts, which amounted to 1,296.3 billion FC. However, the finance law adopted only provided for an envelope of 782.6 billion FC, or 60.37 % of the needs expressed. This discrepancy asks essential questions about budgetary priorities and the accountability of institutions.
### Budget sections and their implications
The proposed budget covers four major sections: remuneration, operation, investments, and economic, social, cultural and scientific interventions. This prioritization scheme raises a major issue: how to balance the expressed needs and available resources, while guaranteeing essential missions of the National Assembly?
The Decision of the Assembly’s Office to double the envelope allocated to life retirement pensions for honorary deputies is an example. This decision, made during a period when resources are apparently insufficient to cover other essential operating expenses, can be perceived as problematic. Indeed, this raises questions as to the way in which budgetary priorities within the institution are defined.
### The question of accountability
Vital Kamerhe, president of the National Assembly, stressed the importance of liable by insisting that the Assembly must also submit to internal control. The decision to set up an ad hoc commission to deeply examine the financial report is a notable advance in relation to previous practices, where discussions were often made behind closed doors.
This partial transparency could strengthen public confidence towards its institutions. However, it is relevant to wonder whether the establishment of an ad hoc commission will be enough to respond to the concerns of citizens concerning the financial management of their representatives. The previous legislatures have often seen financial reports treated in all discretion, and the transition to greater transparency requires time and commitment.
### The challenges of budget management
The fight for effective financial management in the Congolese context comes up against various challenges. Among these, the lack of adequate financial resources and the need to have a rigorous and thoughtful approach around priorities within the Assembly. Analysis of this report could be an opportunity to think about a stricter management framework, capable of aligning spending with the fundamental missions of the lower chamber.
It would also be relevant to wonder: how can the Assembly optimize its expenditure structure, in particular with regard to the privileges of elected officials, while ensuring adequate funding of public services and social programs that meet the expectations of citizens? Civil society, as well as development actors, could play a crucial role in supporting such debates.
### Conclusion
The National Assembly’s financial management report for 2024 reveals both advances and notable challenges. If the implementation of internal control and transparency mechanisms testifies to a desire for accountability, current budgetary choices highlight a need to balance financial requirements with the real priorities of the nation. A collective reflection on these questions could open the way to more effective strategies, thus helping to build stronger and more respected institutions, at the service of all Congolese.
Looking forward and strengthening the culture of transparency within institutions could ultimately strengthen public confidence and encourage a constructive debate around budgetary policies. The path to healthy and responsible financial management is complex, but it is essential for the sustainable development of the Democratic Republic of Congo.