President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, has questioned the rationale behind delays in approving the mini-budget.
The situation according to Mr Carbonu is a bit surprising, stating this is not the first time there has been a transition of government.
He said this in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Thursday.
“This is not the first time there has been a transition of government after an election. The practice has gone on smoothly. So why now? Why can’t we get an appropriation bill passed? What is happening? Who is punishing who?” he questioned.
His comments come at a time of heightened debate over the delayed mini-budget, with public sector salaries and government operations for early 2025 hanging in the balance.
However, Mr. Carbonou emphasized the need for automatic systems to manage critical state functions, especially during the period between elections and the swearing-in of a new government.
The NAGRAT President noted negotiations for salary increments had to be suspended this year due to the December 7 election.
He therefore cited the importance of operational budgets to sustain the nation during the transition period, urging Parliament to find a middle ground on the matter.
Recounting to concerns that the hung nature of the eighth parliament has created a challenging environment for decision-making, he stated, “Whether hung or no hung, there are issues that must be deliberated on. The appropriation bill must be passed for work to go on.”
He continued, “We are talking about financial issues which can affect us badly or immediately. There is the need for the passage in such a way that work can go on from January 1.”
Expressing confidence that December salaries will be paid, he also forewarned that “Industrial action will definitely come in January when the workers go to the bank and salaries are not paid.”
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