AS BUDGET HEARING STARTS
Monrovia, Liberia – A disagreement over the examination of the draft 2025 National Budget caused tensions among members of the house of Legislature, resulting in a chaotic scene at the Capitol Building on Monday, December 9.
A violent incident broke out between members of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa’s party and the Majority Bloc when the other group rejected the start of the budget hearing process.
The shouting and pushing that took place during this event demonstrated the heated political atmosphere in the assembly. Following that, there was a violent fight between police officers and lawmakers, particularly those from the Koffa side. There were allegations of significant injuries, which further worsened the political tensions in the nation.
The conflict began when members of the majority Bloc started the budget hearings process amid ongoing leadership crisis but embattled speaker Koffa expressed extreme disappointment over officials’ of the executive appearance.
Acting Minister of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Tanneh G. Brunson, made an appearance before the Majority Bloc faction of the House and encouraged the House of Representatives to accelerate their examination of the proposed budget. She underlined how crucial the budget is to furthering the growth of the country.
In accordance with Section 17.1 of the Amended and Restated Public Financial Management Act of 2009, the president submitted the proposed National Budget for FY2025 to the 55th Legislature on November 18, 2024.
Richard Koon, the contentious “new speaker” chosen by the majority of House members, had earlier said that the House’s existing structure would guarantee accountability and openness in the current examination of the Draft 2025 National Budget.
Rep. Koon asserted that in order to satisfy Liberians’ requests, the proposed budget would be properly examined and given due consideration.
House Speaker Fonati Koffa, who is now beleaguered, stated his complete dissatisfaction with the administration for reportedly participating in the ongoing drama at the House of Representatives.
Koffa has subsequently opposed the choice made by majority members to elect Montserrado County Representative Richard Koon as Speaker, which has plunged the House of Representatives into a severe leadership crisis. According to the 1986 Liberian Constitution, a two-thirds majority of the House of Representatives must remove a validly elected Speaker. Koffa argues that this requirement has not been fulfilled, making Koon an unlawful speaker.
