Tensions rose in the National Assembly after the Leader of Government Business, Sylvanne Lemiel, questioned the intelligence of Opposition Leader Bernard Georges during debate on a Seychelles National Assembly funding motion.
Mrs Lemiel presented a motion under Article 155 of the Constitution. The motion seeks authorisation to withdraw SR3,967,207,015.00 from the Consolidated Fund. The funds will meet government expenditure until 30 April 2026.
In her presentation, Mrs Lemiel said the government faced difficulties finalising the 2026 budget following last year’s elections. She said the budget is still under review and will reflect the government’s commitment.
She added that although the government did not present the 2026 budget before 30 January 2026, as required by the Constitution, it is taking steps to ensure the country continues to function. Therefore, the motion seeks temporary authorisation to meet financial obligations.
Mrs Lemiel said Article 155 allows the Assembly to approve spending from the Consolidated Fund for up to four months. She said this represents one-third of the expenditure estimated in the upcoming budget.
However, Opposition Leader Bernard Georges questioned how the Leader of Government Business presented the motion. He said the ruling party presented the motion as if it were introducing a new concept to ensure continuity. He said his party acknowledges that the delay resulted from late election preparations, similar to the situation in 2020.
Mr Georges said the motion did not aim to secure opposition support but to create political discourse.
Mr Georges stated “If the motion was brought forward contextually as a necessity as the Constitution prescribes, the Honourable Leader of Government Business could have made her presentation and we would have voted and be done with it.”
At the end of the debate, 17 members from United Seychelles voted in favour of the motion. Fourteen opposition members abstained.
Meanwhile, the 2026 budget will be presented on Thursday 12 February 2026 before the National Assembly. The presentation follows Order 80 for the Appropriation Bill, 2026. Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment Pierre Laporte will deliver the Budget Address.
After the address, the Assembly will adjourn. It will resume sittings from Tuesday 17 February to Thursday 19 February 2026 for Members’ Reply and debate.
The Assembly will then move to the Committee Stage daily from Tuesday 24 February until the end of March 2026.