The Democratic Alliance has announced that it will not be supporting the Budget Speech 2025 in its current form.
Speaking ahead of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s long-awaited address, DA leader John Steenhuisen confirmed that the budget has lost his party’s support.
DA refuses to support Budget Speech 2025
Steenhuisen spoke outside the Nieuwmeester Dome where the Budget Speech 2025 was set to take place, confirming that the ruling party would not be backed by the DA.
“Good afternoon, South Africa. The DA will not support the budget in its current form. We will continue to fight for economic growth and jobs.” Steenhuisen commented.
While Steenhuisen could not reveal what had been discussed ahead of the Budget Speech 2025 but did confirm that his party has opted against supporting it.
“I cannot talk about what has happened in the Cabinet Room, that is bound by Cabinet confidentiality so I cannot give any background on that. What I can say is the Democratic Alliance will not be supporting the Budget in its current form and therefore the Budget being tabled today does not have the Parliamentary majority.” Steenhuisen confirmed.
Furthermore, the DA leader confirmed that the party had opted to move away from tax increases in a bid to favour growth and employment opportunities instead.
“We obviously put on the table a number of our requirements to stimulate growth and jobs and to move beyond just tax and spend and those have not been agreed to. We obviously remain open to further discussions before these Budget instruments are voted on in Parliament in the coming months.” Steenhuisen said.
EFF warns that it will challenge Budget Speech 2025
Additionally, the Economic Freedom Fighters have also warned that it isn’t afraid to challenge the Budget Speech.
“Members of Parliament have the power to not only reject the budget, but to amend it. It is time for opposition parties to unite and amend the proposed budget for the first time in our democracy. Parliamentarians Have The Power To Reject A VAT Increase And Develop A Jobs And Growth Budget!” The EFF commented.
How do you feel about the opposition to the Budget Speech 2025?
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