AD Youth League opposes proposed Parly budget

‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI

MASERU – A storm is brewing in Lesotho’s political arena following a controversial proposal by Parliament to increase its annual budget allocation from M194 million to a staggering M1 billion.

Alliance of Democrats Youth League (ADYL) has come out strongly against the move, calling it a dangerous misuse of public funds that undermines national priorities.

The proposed increase would represent three percent of the national budget for 2025/2026 financial year.

The Youth League views this as an excessive demand, especially given that Parliament reportedly failed to fully utilize its previous budget allocation. According to financial reports cited by the League, Parliament spent only M146 million of the M154 million it had been allocated in the previous year, the League argues that this under-expenditure disqualifies any attempt to justify a drastic increase in funds.

In their view, the request reflects poor planning as well as weak accountability within parliamentary financial management. They say is no compelling justification presented to explain how Parliament intends to use the additional funds or why the three percent of the budget is being demanded.

In addition, ADYL stressed that the country is currently grappling with pressing challenges such as high unemployment, especially among the youth, poor service delivery as well as struggling economy.

At the time when most Basotho are struggling to make ends meet, the League finds it unacceptable that Parliament is prioritizing its own financial comfort over public needs.

According to the League, the government funds must be channeled toward productive sectors that directly benefit the nation, including job creation, education, healthcare as well as youth empowerment.

The League emphasized that Lesotho’s leadership must focus on building stronger and more inclusive economy and that Parliament’s request contradicts the goal.

Moreover, ADYL called on the Prime Minister, Minister of Law and Justice as well as Chair of Chairs to immediately reject the proposed figures and distance themselves from what the League refers to as a wasteful and ill-advised plan.

Additionally, it urged national leaders to show political maturity and put the interest of the country first.

ADYL raised concerns about setting a bad precedent, warning that if Parliament is allowed to claim three percent of the national budget without valid justification, other government institutions may follow suit, this they argue would strain the national budget and derail important development plans.

It further demands clarity from Parliament and urges the responsible ministries to explain how such figures were determined. They argue that there is no evidence of legal or financial formula supporting the three percent allocation being requested.

The AD Youth League committed to mobilizing its members and raising awareness across the country until the proposal is officially withdrawn. They believe it is their duty to protect the interest of young people and ensure that national resources are not diverted from critical prioritize.

For its part the Basotho Action Party – BAP raised serious concerns over the government’s decision to allocate a staggering three percent of the national budget to Parliament, a move the party described as a blatant disregard for suffering majority of the population.

BAP labeled the decision to channel such a significant portion of the country’s limited financial resources into the pockets of Members of Parliament immoral and politically irresponsible.