Lawmakers approve bill despite disappointment

The Legislative Assembly has passed the final reading of the bill that establishes the government budget for 2025. In a discussion that saw almost no debate or questions from lawmakers, the bill was approved with unanimous support.

However, despite this, several lawmakers took the opportunity during the voting declarations to express their disappointment with the budget. Some, such as Lo Choi In, went further, stating that she and fellow lawmaker Zheng Anting, on whose behalf she was speaking, disagreed with the budget.

“Lawmaker Zheng and I are against this budget. We do not agree with it, but we voted to pass it because we understand that failing to do so might create problems for the incoming government,” Lo explained.

Lo, Zheng, and several other lawmakers, including José Pereira Coutinho, Che Sai Wang, Ron Lam, and those representing labor interests (Ella Lei, Leong Sun Iok, Lei Chan U, and Lam Lon Wai), criticized the budget for its narrow focus on improving the quality of life for residents and local businesses. This, they argued, could no longer be justified by the previous excuse of insufficient expected revenue.

Unlike past budgets, the 2025 budget forecasts a positive outcome for both the local economy and government finances, with anticipated profits due to increased revenue and reduced expenditure.

During the discussion and vote, Ron Lam was the only lawmaker to speak up, not to question any specific aspects of the budget but to offer his own perspective.

“I am not against this budget, but I believe the government needs to broaden the focus of its policies and provide more detailed justifications for its expenditures,” he said.

“I hope the next government will address these issues, as I mentioned during the first reading of the bill, and as many other lawmakers have also suggested. I hope the next Secretary for Economy and Finance will give more attention to these matters,” he added, addressing Secretary Lei Wai Nong, who will be leaving office.

On behalf of the four lawmakers associated with the Macau Federation of Trade Unions, Leong noted that while they voted in favor of the bill, they had significant concerns. Specifically, they expressed worries about the current difficulties faced by many local social institutions, which are struggling to pay wages and cover expenses while providing support to the underprivileged.

Leong also called for increased support for senior citizens, noting government subsidies for the elderly have not been updated in several years. This lack of adjustment has made life more difficult for older citizens, who are facing rising prices for essential goods and services.

Pereira Coutinho also voiced concerns, stating that the 2025 budget lacks clear and concrete measures to support the population and stimulate internal spending. He feared this would worsen the already dire situation for many small and medium-sized local businesses, which are struggling to survive.

In response, Secretary Lei said the budget was a general proposal put forward by the current government to ensure the continued operation of the government and its institutions, as well as to honor commitments made during the transition to Macau’s sixth-term government. Lei added that if the incoming government identifies the need for new measures to address the issues raised by the lawmakers, it would be within its rights to present an amended budget later on.