Finance Minister Defends 'Passion Projects' Facing Opposition Scrutiny

In a spirited budget hearing today, Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, rowed with Christian Tadele, an opposition MP, chairing Parliament's Standing Committee for Public Expenditures & Administration Control Affairs. The bone of contention was the funding of "passion projects", which the Minister claimed were financed entirely through grants and had not utilized public funds.

Todays heated debate underscores the contention over budget allocation and financial control in the government's affairs.

This contentious debate highlights the complexities associated with fiscal transparency, governmental approval processes, and public scrutiny. The crux of the argument lies in the financing of "passion projects" initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which have received criticism for their allegedly opaque funding mechanisms and perceived extravagance.

Ahmed, fielding questions from parliamentarians, argued that these projects were not presented for parliamentary discussion because they did not tap into public finance. He posited that creating cleaner environments through these projects is a fundamental human necessity, not a luxury.

"Living in a clean environment is a basic human need," said Ahmed, countering criticism about the allocation of funds to these projects.

Christian, however, took umbrage at this approach, asserting that irrespective of the source of financing — whether grants or budget — all public-related finances should be under the purview of the Ministry of Finance and should pass through necessary governmental approval processes, including parliamentary scrutiny.

"Any member of parliament receiving sponsorships of any kind on their own merit is illegal," Christian asserted in Parliament.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Lomi Bedo, offered a recourse to assuage the concerns raised. She asserted that any parliamentarian who questions the legitimacy of a project can request an audit.

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