TRUDI MAKHAYA: Medium-term budget policy statement bucks boring trend
The medium-term budget policy statement has been a boring affair thus far. Sure, there have been moments such as in 2013 when Pravin Gordhan introduced cost-cutting measures in the government, culling lavish lunches, alcohol-fuelled events and business-class travel. But this was hardly earth-shattering stuff. Then there was last year’s statement by the then finance minister Nhlanhla Nene, which saw "fallist" students bring some excitement to Parliament. It served more to overshadow the medium-term budget than to give it prominence. There is a good reason the medium-term policy statements have been such bland affairs. The government tends to conform to the main budget, with limited adjustments midway. The expenditure ceiling is adhered to. All as it should be. This year is different. The passage of the medium-term statement is seen as a test for the standing of Gordhan and the Treasury within the government. Gordhan is still in his position. Does this mean he has the political suppor...
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