State spending, subsidies and social grants: The Prime Minister's detailed response to the Pastef group

The Prime Minister launched a point-by-point counter-offensive. Faced with the five preconditions set by the Pastef parliamentary group regarding the 2026 supplementary budget bill, Prime Minister Al Aminou Lo delivered a methodical presentation. Family security grants, energy subsidies, World Bank emergency funds, reduced government spending, and special loans: the executive branch dismantled the criticisms, defended its social policies, and reiterated its call for direct institutional dialogue with Ousmane Sonko before Tuesday's plenary session.

Social priorities and purchasing power are at the heart of the decisions.

In response to the demands made by Pastef, Al Aminou Lo explained that the economic context necessitates choices between public investment and social spending. According to the Prime Minister, it is insufficient to demand the simultaneous preservation of all investments and the strengthening of social spending without considering budgetary constraints. "Our approach is to prioritize social needs within the constraints of public investment," he stated, specifying that the government intends to preserve investments that can be completed before the end of the year, while giving central importance to the protection of vulnerable populations.

To illustrate this approach, he mentioned family security grants, the budget for which, according to figures presented in his speech, has increased from 35 to 70 billion CFA francs in 2026, with a target of 140 billion in 2027. The number of beneficiary households is also expected to reach one million in 2027, compared to approximately 400,000 projected for 2026. The head of government rejected accusations that this increase was politically motivated. He maintained that it aims to better support poor and vulnerable households. Regarding energy costs, the Prime Minister defended the need to maintain support mechanisms in the face of international shocks, while preparing a sustainable reform of subsidies. The objective is, in particular, to improve the targeting of beneficiaries and to better protect households most exposed to price increases.

World Bank, government spending, and special loans: Al Aminou Lo responds to criticism

The third concern relates to the transparency of the World Bank's emergency funding, which is estimated at 120 billion CFA francs. Al Aminou Lo explained that these mechanisms are designed to help states cope with significant shocks and mitigate their economic and social consequences. He defended the use of these resources to support the energy sector and family security grants, arguing that their mobilization aligns with the very objective of the program. At the same time, he denounced the dissemination of information he considers inaccurate and urged members of parliament to demand explanations rather than simply relaying accusations.

Regarding the reduction of government spending, the Prime Minister stated that efforts had already been made to cut operating expenses. He specifically mentioned reductions in funding allocated to supplies, consumables, conferences, seminars, and ceremonies. In several departments, these reductions reportedly reached 50 to 80% of available funds, excluding social services.

The streamlining of the public sector was also addressed. Regarding the 19 entities potentially affected by reorganization, Al Aminou Lo assured that the government would continue its work, while refusing to rush into anything. He emphasized the need to evaluate the proposals and consider the fate of the affected employees before any decision is made. The Prime Minister also spoke about special appropriations. He noted that these funds can be used, in particular, to respond to urgent and sensitive situations, such as certain medical evacuations, while expressing his openness to discussions on their management. He invited the parliamentary group to resume dialogue with the government in a calm and constructive atmosphere.

Budgetary sincerity and debt transparency are in question.

The fifth concern relates to budgetary sincerity and debt transparency. On this point, Mr. Lo reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring greater transparency in public finances and stated his willingness to provide the necessary clarifications.

Beyond the disagreements surrounding the 2026 Finance Law, the Prime Minister called on political actors to place Senegal's interests above partisan calculations. He reiterated his invitation to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, for a meeting the following day with the Minister of Finance and other relevant members of the government. The objective is to clarify points of disagreement before Tuesday's plenary session and to foster dialogue between the two institutions. "We are not enemies. We are not adversaries. The executive and legislative branches must engage in dialogue," insisted Al Aminou Lo, reaffirming his willingness to meet with Ousmane Sonko to discuss the concerns raised regarding the budget document.