Madagascar's 2025 Finance Bill has been criticized for its limited support for education and healthcare, with a focus on infrastructure and energy investments.
The proposed budget emphasizes increased investment in the State's own resources, particularly in energy and infrastructure. However, civil society and opposition groups argue that the government's priorities do not align with the pressing needs of the population.
The Finance Bill proposes a substantial increase in investments financed from the State's own funds, with a significant portion allocated to the energy sector. This includes investments in solar and wind farms to address the electricity production and distribution crisis. Critics have expressed disappointment over the minimal allocation to social sectors, such as education and healthcare.
The Finance Bill also allocates funds for the construction of Madagascar's first freeway, which has faced scrutiny from environmental and social advocates. Concerns have been raised about the effective use of taxpayer money and whether the government's infrastructure strategy truly reflects the priorities of the citizens it serves.
The government has adopted a policy of fiscal restraint to support these infrastructure projects, but questions remain about the sustainability of this strategy in the face of growing social needs. The debate surrounding the Finance Bill's implications for Madagascar's future continues to intensify, with calls for a more balanced approach that prioritizes both infrastructure development and essential social services.