Ousmane Sonko rejects Bassirou Diomaye Faye's amendments to special credit bill
A legislative battle unfolded in the National Assembly over a proposed law concerning special credits. The executive branch, represented by Justice Minister Me Moussa Sarr, introduced six amendments to the bill, which were all rejected by Pastef deputies. The proposed law, initiated by Guy Marius Sagna, Mame Diarra Bèye, and Alphonse Mané Sambou, aims to regulate special credits. The executive had initially intended for the Minister of Economy, Finance, and Planning, Cheikh Diba, to represent the government, but President Diomaye issued a decree appointing Me Moussa Sarr instead. The rejected amendments included expanding the scope of special credits to include the President of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister, and broadening the definition of special credits to cover areas like social order preservation and African values. Pastef deputies, however, maintained a narrower definition, limiting special credits to national defense, internal and external security, and intelligence activities. The only amendment adopted was proposed by Alphonse Mané Sambou, clarifying that parliamentary control of special credits would be exercised by the Finance and Budget Control Commission. The proposed law was adopted by a majority of deputies and will proceed to a plenary session next week, where the government is expected to reintroduce its amendments, likely leading to further rejections and a potential referral to the Constitutional Council, as National Assembly President Ousman
