Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has said he does not support the parliament approving a high deficit budget.
Speaking at the parliament at the sitting to discuss the State Budget 2020, Speaker Nasheed said the Parliamentary Committee on Budget has completed its work after inflating it further by increasing the proposed budget. He further said he consents to changes brought in consultation with Ministry of Finance, highlighting he does not support to increase the proposed State Budget 2020 in a way that increases deficit further.
The parliamentary committee has completed reviewing the budget and lawmakers have been requested to comment on the budget. The speaker said the floor will be opened next week to discuss comments from lawmakers and the changes the committee brought to the budget. He further said every parliamentarian will be provided with 7 minutes to address their concerns.
Along with reviewing State Budget 2020, the parliament is also working on reviewing the Decentralisation Act and Decentralisation Chapter of the Constitution. Speaker Nasheed revealed these two bills will also be completed before the approval of the State Budget.