<B> Why does the opposition intend to boycott the presentation of the Budget next week? </B>

It will certainly not be a Budget. It will be a political manifesto, the presentation of the MSM/MMM electoral programme. A partisan document to try to fool the population on the eve of elections by giving the impression that Christmas is in September, after four years of economic mismanagement, rising corruption and a breakdown in law and order.

<B> What would be the difference for the country?s economy between presenting the Budget in April and in June? </B>

Parliament must be dissolved in April. The MSM/MMM cannot therefore present the budget in June. It would have been more consistent with democratic norms to have elections first and then allow the new Government a free hand to present the budget. In 1982, as in 1987,elections were held in June and the Budget presented by Berenger in July. In 83,elections took place in August while Budget day was in October. This is the clear pattern and not the other way round.

<B> The Budget is a matter of national interest. Don?t you think the opposition should be there for such an event? </B>

Precisely, it will not be a matter of national interest. It will only serve the government?s political interests for the forthcoming elections. Had national interest prevailed, the Budget should have taken place after the elections. How can we accept a Budget in the middle of an electoral campaign, especially as more than 80 % of the 2004/05 Budget has not been implemented?

<B> The opposition leader said he was not sure yet whether the opposition would take part in the ?Budget discussions?.But why would it take part in all the discussions but not in the Budget? </B>

The MSM/MMM is undermining a key institution of our country and we cannot be an accomplice in this charade. The government will hoodwink the population by handing out some sweeteners with a sour after-taste. Worse, it is likely to be ?a scorched earth budget? that will tie the hands of the incoming government led by Dr Ramgoolam. But when the facts are known next year, it will be too late as the MSM/MMM team will not be here. The opposition has a duty to denounce this utter irresponsibility of a lame duck government that is prepared to inflict considerable harm on our economy for sheer partisan gains.