The Socialist Party (PS) denounces what it calls the PASTEF regime's "budgetary illusions" and questions the strategy of Finance and Budget Minister Cheikh Diba. In a statement, PS spokesperson Abdoulaye Wilane believes that "the government's budgetary choices are illusory" and risk jeopardizing the country's economic future.

Worrying figures according to Abdoulaye Wilane

Based on the budget execution report for the second quarter of 2025, the Socialist Party highlights that "588.3 billion FCFA of deficit are already recorded at the mid-term, or 34.7% of the annual target." The document also mentions that "only 8% of budgetary donations have been mobilized," which, according to Wilane, "proves that our partners no longer believe the State's word." The PS also notes "an overwhelming dependence on financial markets (74.6% of resources), compared to barely 3.5% of structural financing," as well as an imbalance between expenditure and investment: "50.4% of operating expenditure is executed compared to only 30% for investments." Added to this is "an explosion in energy subsidies (+202 billion)," which the party describes as a "budgetary bomb that absorbs the country's resources."

Promises deemed unrealistic

For Abdoulaye Wilane, "Minister Cheikh Diba promises the Senegalese a return to the community standard of 3% of GDP in 2027," but "behind this triumphalist rhetoric, the reality is quite different." He asks: "How can we aim for 3% in 2027 when the deficit is already spiraling out of control in 2025? How can we talk about streamlining spending when we double energy subsidies without an exit plan?" The Socialist Party spokesperson believes that "the minister, far from presenting a strategy, is camouflaging the bankruptcy behind distant promises." He concludes: "This is political communication, not serious management."

"Abdoulaye Wilane calls on Senegalese people to become aware of PASTEF's serious political mistakes," the statement said. According to the Socialist Party, "every improvisation, every blunder by this regime costs jobs, opportunities, and Senegal's international dignity."

Wilane adds: "The 3% community standard cannot be decreed: it must be built through serious governance. PASTEF has already proven its incompetence and its inability to restore balance." The Socialist Party spokesperson concludes with a firm message: "We say no to illusions. Senegal cannot wait until 2027 to discover that the promises were lies."