Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment Pierre Laporte says the 2026 national budget will be presented at the end of January 2026. The budget, originally expected in mid-November 2025, has been delayed due to the 30-day transition period following the recent election.
He explained that although the International Monetary Fund (IMF) carried out a short visit to the country, the mission did not allow his ministry to discuss the new government’s programme to ensure alignment with the IMF agenda. According to Minister Laporte, there is a mutual agreement for the IMF to return next year for a full review, during which the government will work with the organisation to ensure the country’s fiscal plan remains sustainable and consistent with the IMF’s macroeconomic framework.
Minister Laporte says he has identified several issues in the proposed budget prepared by the former government. However, based on the figures and the IMF’s assessment, he acknowledges that the economy is in good condition. He says he intends to maintain this performance, strengthen it, and ensure it is more equitable for the population.
In the coming months, he says three budgets will be presented. One will be a supplementary budget to regularise expenses related to the organisation of the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Another will enable the government to operate into early next year and will include provisions such as the compulsory 13th-month salary for public-sector workers. The final budget will be the main 2026 budget, which will outline the programmes proposed by the new government.