Radar | Jun 14,2020
Jul 4 , 2023
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.
Radar | Jun 14,2020
Viewpoints | Sep 03,2022
Commentaries | Apr 26,2025
Fortune News | Apr 03,2023
Featured | May 03,2024
Editorial | Sep 17,2022
Radar | Oct 19,2024
Fortune News | Oct 27, 2024
Advertorials | Jun 12,2023
Viewpoints | Jul 07,2024
My Opinion | 130981 Views | Aug 14,2021
My Opinion | 127322 Views | Aug 21,2021
My Opinion | 125314 Views | Sep 10,2021
My Opinion | 122969 Views | Aug 07,2021
Jun 21 , 2025
A well-worn adage says, “Budget is not destiny, but it is direction.” Examining t...
Jun 14 , 2025
Yet again, the Horn of Africa is bracing for trouble. A region already frayed by wars...
Jun 7 , 2025
Few promises shine brighter in Addis Abeba than the pledge of a roof for every family...
May 31 , 2025
It is seldom flattering to be bracketed with North Korea and Myanmar. Ironically, Eth...
Loading your updates...