In particular, the member requested clarification regarding the large sum of money allocated under "miscellaneous expenses" in the budget document, as well as the plans in place for potential salary increases.
Dr. Desalegn recalled that last year, after salary increase requests were initially met with a "no" response, an increase was implemented less than a month later. He questioned whether a similar situation would occur this year.
He noted that government employees are being significantly impacted by the burden of the rising cost of living in the economy, and asked whether the government has included any provisions for salary adjustments in its budget plan.
Furthermore, Dr. Desalegn stated that the 904 billion birr allocated as "miscellaneous expenses" in the regular budget is questionable. He pointed out that the breakdown for administrative, economic, and social services, as well as the 126 billion birr allocated for education and health, are insufficient.
Stating that he received the budget document late, Dr. Desalegn questioned whether this large budget allocation is for debt repayment or other purposes, and called on the government to disclose the details of the budget allocated under the name of "miscellaneous expenses."
In his response, Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide noted that the government has been working with great focus over the past two consecutive years to improve the living conditions of low-income and fixed-salary earners.
He specifically mentioned that the salary adjustment was carried out carefully by the Ministry of Finance and the Civil Service Commission, noting that challenges had arisen regarding the budget allocated to regional states when the salary increase was implemented.
"Questions were raised regarding the mismatch between the salary increase implemented and the amount of budget given to the regions; we have been investigating this problem and are now in the process of resolving it," he said.
Ahmed Shide further explained that the budget presented to the House now includes salary increases not only for the federal government but also for regional governments. In addition, he explained that it incorporates an additional increase of up to 5 percent, carrying the expenditure burden of the federal government.
Responding to the question regarding potential salary increases for the coming year, the Minister stated that no further salary increases are factored into this year's budget. "It should be noted that what will be considered in the future is not accounted for in the budget currently presented," he said.
Ahmed Shide concluded by stating that the government has fulfilled a major responsibility in overcoming the significant financial pressure it faced in adjusting employees' salaries, and provided extensive explanations for the questions raised regarding the budget plan.
