SenePlus publishes below, the press release from the office of the National Assembly dated June 28, 2024 in reaction to the release of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on the general policy statement.
“In a widely disseminated message on June 28, 2024, the Prime Minister of Senegal made remarks relating to the general policy statement, indicating in particular that his statement is already ready for presentation; that in the event of the National Assembly failing to act by July 15, 2024, he could make it before an assembly made up of the sovereign Senegalese people, partners of Senegal and a jury composed of academics, intellectuals and apolitical citizen actors, for a free and open debate and, undoubtedly, of superior quality.
Following these “extremely serious” remarks which attack the spirit as well as the letter of the Constitution of the Republic of Senegal, the Bureau decided to meet urgently this Saturday, June 29, 2024, also marking the end of the Single Ordinary Session 2023-2024.
In this regard, the Bureau noted with indignation the discourteous remarks, the unacceptable injunctions, as well as the breaches of form and substance contained in the said message, in violation of the rules of operation of the Institutions, the separation of powers and republican elegance.
The following conclusions emerged from the said meeting of the Bureau:
1. The Bureau strongly denounces the Prime Minister’s remarks which, in addition to their outrageous nature, constitute a real threat to the normal functioning of the institutions of the Republic and to the preservation of republican values, the constant defense of which has enabled Senegal to maintain the stability for which it is recognized.
2. The Bureau decides to postpone the holding of the Budget Orientation Debate scheduled for today, June 29, 2023, since the Prime Minister, head of government of which the Minister of Finance and Budget is a member, does not intend to make his general policy statement before the National Assembly.
3. The Office invites the President of the National Assembly to take all necessary initiatives to contribute to the functioning of the institutions in the terms provided for by the Constitution and the laws.
4. The Office calls for scrupulous respect for institutions, for their regular and normal functioning with a high sense of responsibility.”
