In another few weeks, the public will be subjected to the kind of commotion over the 2014 budget as there was over balancing of the 2013 budget. As it was then, it happens again that instead of scrutinizing government's fiscal management and development policy to ensure that we receive most for our tax dollars, MP's will huddle together to present a balanced budget to the CFT before the deadline expires. From Parliament, instead probing questions and well-reasoned arguments, we will be bombarded with superficial ramblings in the name of debate. Ultimately, the MP's supporting the government will all agree to a balanced document, which will be busted open widely once again a few months later with amendments.
As reported in the media, that the CFT is standing by the stipulation that the first rendition of the 2014 budget should be available for handling by December 15. It is also notable that the CFT has admonished that government trims 20 million guilders from the budget before presenting it. In other words, the CFT is prepared to give a negative advise on the 2014 budget - balanced or not – unless at least expenditures to the tune of 20 million guilders is cut from the budget. In meeting these stringent requirements, the Finance Minister is likely to engage in a willy-nilly cutting of those sections of the budget that are easiest to manipulate. In other words, government will downgrade its services and other public undertaking in order to decrease expenditures; and very few parliamentarians will be equipped to challenge the arguments that will be advance in defense of those cuts. However, while cuts may be necessary they should not result in diminishing government services to the people, for which the public dutifully pays weekly, monthly and annually as the case may be.
"In this context and for other reasons the OSPP expects that the draft budget be made available to the public, says Lenny Priest, "that the ordinary man on the streets may have an opportunity to contribute to the budget debate through interaction with his favorite parliamentarian. This is certainly not asking too much. If the public is to better appreciate how his money is spent, it is advisable that upon the Council of Minister's approving the draft budget, an English version of this important policy document be posted on the government website for public consumption. And if this is not possible this time around, the Dutch version should be posted. We are also suggesting that when eventually the Parliament approves the 2014 budget, a summarized version of this document be posted on the government's webpage for the use of students, businesses and other organizations etc, any and everyone who may be interested in the details of the government's intention for their future. Now is the time for us to commence educating our people about matters that affect their lives through presenting them with a copy of the draft budget 2014 for their information. We sincerely hope that our government would agree and show maturity in this matter.
OSPP Press Release