[Recap] Everything you need to know from Al Aminou Lo's big explanation

During a lengthy press conference at the Mamadou Dia Administrative Building, Prime Minister Al Aminou Lo staunchly defended the budgetary decisions of the 2026 Amending Finance Law (LFR). Between a firm warning against "obstruction", detailed figures on the postponement of investments and an olive branch extended to Ousmane Sonko for institutional dialogue, the head of government dismissed all the grievances formulated by the Pastef parliamentary group.

From the outset, the head of government challenged the Pastef party on its communication with the press, calling on them to break with unilateral communication: "For the sake of transparency in the narratives, I would like to solemnly ask them to open the microphone to the journalists who will attend these meetings, as the government has done."

He strongly encouraged the parliamentary majority to accept direct questions from journalists in order to foster open debate: “I would like to solemnly call on them to transform their press briefings into press conferences. That way, it won't be a one-way street. The government has decided to be open, to give journalists a voice, since that is what the Senegalese people are asking for, and not a one-sided message.”

Rejection of "obstruction" and reminder of the constitutional framework

Referring to the rejection of the text in committee at the National Assembly, Al Aminou Lo firmly rebuked the Pastef deputies, reminding them of the right to amend legislation as enshrined in Article 82 of the Constitution: “There is, however, a profound difference between obstructing government work and amending the National Assembly. If you want this prerogative, take it and assume responsibility for it before your constituents, the Senegalese people.”

Demanding concrete actions rather than general criticism, he added: "We are asking them to formulate amendments. I hope this will be done, and this will be communicated to the Senegalese people. What do they want? For us to correct things without remaining in generalities."

Warning of the social repercussions of a prolonged blockade, he told parliamentarians: "If the subsidies are exhausted, no public accountant is authorized to execute them. So, submit your amendments, don't punish the people."

Justification for the decisions: 540 billion FCFA and social protection

Faced with a 340 billion FCFA drop in revenue and 540 billion FCFA in additional needs, the Prime Minister defended the decision to reorganize the budget to mitigate international shocks and preserve household purchasing power: "Our choice is to prioritize social needs while respecting public investment constraints. We have not passed the oil shock on to the Senegalese people."

Explaining the rationale for reallocating resources, he stated: "We said, we're going to look at the projects that aren't delivering."

Explanation of the budget cuts and the arrears of 1,956 billion

Addressing the 555 billion FCFA reduction in investment credits, the head of the executive branch clarified that it was a technical rescheduling affecting only payment credits and not commitment authorizations: "It's just an investment deferred until next year."

On the private sector front, he reiterated the urgent need to allocate 300 billion FCFA to begin clearing the 1,956 billion FCFA in payment arrears owed by the State: "Failing to vote for the Finance Law will further prevent the construction and public works sector from recovering cash flow, resuming interrupted projects, paying suppliers, and renewing equipment."

Dismantling Pastef's five grievances and clarifying the funding situation

Addressing one by one the objections of the parliamentary majority (family security grants, World Bank funds amounting to 120 billion, state lifestyle and special loans), Al Aminou Lo rejected accusations of political calculations or lack of sincerity.

He highlighted the 50 to 80% reductions already made to the operating expenses of ministerial services and defended the framework for special credits intended for national emergencies and medical evacuations, while saying he was open to regulatory clarifications.

An olive branch extended to Ousmane Sonko and a refusal of the "televised debate"

Regarding institutional relations, Al Aminou Lo stated his readiness to go to the National Assembly the very next day with the government team to meet with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, while declining the proposal for a televised public debate, deeming this format unconstitutional: “I extend my hand as head of government. The only objective that matters to all of us, I reiterate, is to alleviate the burden on the Senegalese people.”

Concluding on a note of republican appeasement, the Prime Minister stated: "We are not enemies. We are not adversaries. The executive and legislative branches must engage in dialogue."