On the morning of Thursday 31st October, the Minister for Finance, National Planning, and Trade, Mr. Naadir Hassan, delivered the Budget Address for the Appropriation Bill 2025 to the House.
The Minister began the Address by announcing the historic nature of this year’s budget, noting it as the largest budget in the history of the nation. The Minister explained that this achievement is the fruit of disciplined measures and adherence to policies implemented. Minister Hassan then announced salary increments and revisions, alongside other budgetary and taxation measures, upcoming infrastructural projects, and significant advancements in priority economic sectors such as tourism, technology, agriculture, and education.
This year's Budget marked a significant milestone as it was the first ever to be signed in Seychellois Sign Language by the Association for People with Hearing Impairment (APHI), reflecting the National Assembly's continued efforts to promote the Seychelles Deaf Community and improve accessibility to parliamentary proceedings. The Hon. Speaker Roger Mancienne took the opportunity to highlight this historic occasion, thanking APHI for their continued collaboration with the National Assembly.
The Budget Replies will commence on Tuesday 5th November 2024, with the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sebastien Pillay and the Leader of Government Business Hon. Bernard Georges.
The session will continue through Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th November 2024, when all Honourable Members will have the opportunity to respond. Subsequently, the House will enter the Committee Stage in which Ministries and Departments will defend their budgets in House.
