PHILIPSBURG:--- Leader of the National Alliance and Member of Parliament Egbert Doran is calling on the Prime Minister to provide urgent clarity on the status of the 2025 budget, following recent communication from the government indicating delays in finalizing the budget’s eindtekst due to technical issues arising from amendments.
The National Alliance faction has submitted a series of critical questions to the government, demanding transparency on the timeline for completion, the nature of the technical issues, and the potential consequences of these delays.
“The budget is the backbone of government operations. Delays in finalizing this crucial document raise serious concerns about the continuity of essential government services and financial stability. The people of Sint Maarten deserve answers,” said Doran.
MP Doran has requested the Prime Minister to provide a specific timeline for when the final budget will be completed and submitted, and to explain why technical issues arising from the amendments were not identified earlier in the process. Additionally, he is seeking assurance that these delays will not impact essential government services or financial obligations.
Furthermore, MP Doran is asking for transparency on the exact amendments submitted by both the Government and Parliament, along with an explanation of their impact on the budget. He has also inquired whether the government has engaged with the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT the Governor or the Council of Advice regarding the amendments, and what feedback has been received.
A key concern raised by MP Doran is the constitutional authority of Parliament in relation to the budget, particularly in light of past discussions on the role of the CFT. “Parliament has the constitutional right to determine the country’s budget. We need to ensure that this right is not undermined by external influences,” he stated.
In the event of further delays, MP Doran is calling on the government to disclose its contingency plans to prevent any disruption to public services and government operations.
“The people of Sint Maarten expect their leaders to act with urgency and responsibility. It is imperative that this government provides clear answers and reassures the public that the country’s financial and operational stability remains intact,” MP Doran concluded.
