Luanda: The Angolan National Assembly members on Thursday approved, in the specialized work committees, the Joint Opinion Report on the General State Budget Proposal for the 2026 Fiscal Year, with 41 votes in favor, 13 against, and one abstention. The bill, which includes over 50 recommendations and more than 100 findings, is set to proceed to a plenary session vote scheduled for Monday, December 15.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the parliamentary rapporteur, Joo Mpilamosi Domingos, reported that the main recommendations focused on the sectors of agriculture, territorial administration, transport, commerce, and industry. Domingos emphasized the importance of having provincial governors present in future budget discussions for enhanced interaction with Members of Parliament.
The 2026 budget is described as prudent, aligning with the country's available financial resources. Domingos noted that while the budget is not elastic, it remains flexible, allowing for the reallocation of funds to meet essential population needs.
FNLA representative, MP Nimi a Simbi, explained the party's affirmative vote, citing positive developments in economic diversification and encouraging the Executive to continue these initiatives. Conversely, UNITA party MP, Mihaela Webba, stated that their group voted against the proposal due to insufficient allocations to the social sector.
Finance Minister Vera Daves commented on the parliamentary feedback, promising to incorporate suggestions into future policy considerations. She committed to enhancing the rationale behind policies and providing more detailed information in subsequent reports, particularly regarding remuneration policy.
With the budget forecasting revenues and expenses at 33.2 billion kwanzas, the proposal is poised for a decisive vote at the end of the 15th of this month.
