$1.382 Trillion Budget a campaign trick dressed as governance-WPA

As Guyana gets ready to debate the GY$1.382 Trillion Budget the Working People’s Alliance blasted the Irfaan Ali Government for crafting a budget that ignored poverty alleviation and improving the lives of ordinary Guyanese.

In a statement Monday, the party said it has carefully reviewed the details of the budget presented by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government, and it is with deep concern the party concluded the document is not a serious economic plan for the nation, but rather a political manoeuvre designed to secure electoral advantage.

The WPA joins the many citizens and organisations that have expressed concerns with the budget’s failure to address the real needs of the country and its citizens.

From the very beginning, the presentation of the budget by the Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, to the National Assembly sounded more like a political rally than a formal address to the legislative body, the party decried.

The WPA pointed out the tone and content of the minister’s speech were more in line with a PPP campaign event in Babu Jaan than a discussion on national fiscal policy.

It is clear, WPA warned, that the primary intent of the GY$1.382 Trillion budget is not to serve the interests of the nation as a whole, but to strengthen the government’s political position ahead of the upcoming election. Elections are constitutionally due in 2025.

Upon examining the budget’s sectoral allocations, the WPA said it found a chaotic and incoherent mix of financial promises.

The party said allocations appear to be little more than attempts to please various interest groups, with financial incentives directed at favoured sectors while neglecting others that do not align with the government’s political base.

This approach, the party noted, reveals the true nature of the budget—less about developing the nation, and more about buying political support with public funds.

More troubling, however, is the budget’s complete disregard for the urgent issue of poverty. In a nation like Guyana, where a significant portion of the population still struggles with basic needs, a national budget should be focused on addressing poverty through systemic and holistic measures.

Yet, this budget falls woefully short. It is a collection of electioneering gimmicks, offering the illusion of progress without providing real solutions for the poor. It is not a budget for the people who need it most, but a budget designed to serve the political ambitions of the ruling party.

The government’s failure to tackle the skyrocketing cost of living is another critical flaw of this budget, the WPA pointed out. The party noted while there are some familiar measures, such as minor tax reliefs and small pension increases, these are insufficient to address the growing financial pressure on the lower-income population.

Of concern is the slight rise in the income tax threshold and the meager increase in pensions which are inadequate, especially in a country where many people retire early and live longer lives, stated the WPA. The party reminded the government that for many elderly citizens, their pension is their only source of income, and these small changes will not make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

The WPA said it is deeply concerned that the government continues to prioritise infrastructure spending over a more balanced allocation of resources. While infrastructure is important, the party acknowledged, a truly comprehensive development plan must address a range of sectors, including healthcare, education, social services, and poverty alleviation.

The WPA flayed the disproportionate emphasis on infrastructure projects, while neglecting the social needs of the people. According to the party, the budget is a cynical attempt to use public resources for political gain rather than to address the real issues facing the people of Guyana, such as poverty and high cost of living. 

The WPA strongly believes that this budget does little for the poor, the vulnerable, and those struggling with the cost of living. And that it serves as a campaign document, not a genuine effort to improve the lives of Guyanese citizens.

The party warned it will not be fooled by this political manoeuvre, and absence of genuine effort to improve the lives of Guyanese citizens. To this end the party has called on the government to redirect its focus from electoral advantage to creating a fairer, more equitable society for all Guyanese.