The Liberian government on Wednesday dismissed a recent statement by the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) about the FY2026 national budget as “misleading and without legal foundation.” The Ministry of Information said the power to amend and finalize the budget rests solely with the Legislature.
Main opposition CDC has asked lawmakers to reject the budget and return the $1.2 billion draft appropriation bill to the president based on its flawed nature including unrealistic revenue projection.
Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel O. Sando argued that under the Public Financial Management Law “the authority to appropriate, amend, and finalize the national budget lies exclusively with the Legislature not the Executive.”
He said that once the Executive submits a draft budget, jurisdiction transfers to the Legislature, which is constitutionally charged with reviewing revenue projections, modifying allocations and enacting appropriations.
Sando accused the CDC of misrepresenting the government’s handling of debt servicing and pointed to General Auditing Commission reports cited in the release as evidence that the previous CDC administration engaged in “unauthorized and unconstitutional borrowing,” leaving behind irregular debts and repayment arrangements.
He contrasted that record with the current administration’s approach, saying it has “restored order and legality to public financial management,” met lawful debt obligations, ended illicit borrowing practices and rebuilt fiscal space for public investments, including wage increases and expanded employment programs.
Addressing criticism of the FY2026 budget’s revenue assumptions, Sando defended the projections as realistic and grounded in improved domestic revenue performance over the past two years.
He said the inclusion of contingent revenues—such as an AML signature bonus and proceeds from ongoing asset recovery efforts—follows “longstanding precedent” and is supported by active negotiations and recovery initiatives.
“The FY2026 budget represents a disciplined, forward-looking fiscal strategy built on proven economic gains, strengthened public financial management systems, and renewed confidence in government institutions,” the release stated. Sando added that the administration will continue to lead “with integrity, adherence to the law, and responsible fiscal management,” and rejected what he called the CDC’s “distortion” of facts.
