After issuing an excuse to the Legislature, specifically the Liberian Senate, for the submission of the 2025 Draft National Budget, President Boakai has decided not to present the document to the body.
On October 31, a day statutorily for the submission of National Draft Budget yearly, the President in a communication told the Legislative Body that he could present the budget due to limited time that could allow the Executive to consider all relevant issues.
The letter indicated that the time was not sufficient to meet all aspects of the draft budget and there were ongoing discussion with national and international stakeholders, pushing the submission to November 8, 2024.
However, for the second time, the Executive Branch has informed the Legislature about its unwillingness to present the 2025 Draft National Budget.
In a press release, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, outlined the delay of the submission of the 2025 Draft National Budget to the National Legislature.
In separate communications to the House of Representatives and the Senate, the President said he is holding legal consultations given the constitutional implications of the impasse at the House of Representatives
President Boakai said he has taken note of the Wednesday, November 6th decision of the Supreme Court Justice in Chambers to decline the issuance of a writ of prohibition, as was earlier prayed for by the Speaker of the House.
It was noted in the press release that the Liberian leader has also received separate letters from the Speaker and the Majority members of the House urging him not to recognize or do business with the other.
This, according to the release, has created room for the President to be gravely concerned about the impasse and has elected to seek further legal advice on the situation.
The Chief Executive believes further consultation is necessary to ensure the sanctity of the constitutional principle of three separate but coordinate branches of the Government, and that Executive action in the current situation complies with law.
President Boakai hopes that the House of Representatives will resolve the impasse, at the soonest, so that the Liberian people’s business can continue.
