Malawi’s 2012/13 National budget passed

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Category: News Flash

Published on Wednesday, 27 June 2012 14:04

Written by Queen Nhlema

Malawi Parliament on Wednesday passed the K408 billion 2012/2013 national budget with a majority vote.

The financial plan was initially pegged at K406 billion but rose to K408 billion after the government increased resources allocated to some ministries and departments.

The approval came three weeks after finance minister Ken Lipenga presented the budget in parliament.

It also comes despite concerns raised by some sections of society that the budget was not pro-poor and that it was hugely inspired by demands of foreign donors.

Capital Radio correspondents in parliament say that the vote that approved the financial blue print was unanimous as legislators from both the government and opposition sides in the house loudly said Yes in support of the budget.

Leader of the government side Henry Phoya thanked the legislators for supporting the whole process.

According to Phoya the government expected a tough ride during the budget debate but said to their surprise both sides of the house collectively supported the budget.

Leader of opposition in parliament John Tembo said he was delighted that the PP led government has managed to control the whole budget process.

Tembo said being a minority government, the opposition expected that the government side would be making mistakes within the budget process but on the contrary the process went on well.

Tembo hailed president Banda for her leadership that has made budget deliberations progress well.

Meanwhile the house is expected to deliberate on the Taxation Act which seeks to cement and operationalise tax measures enshrined in the budget come July 1.