By: Julius Konton
The Political Leader of the opposition Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), Simeon Freeman, has sharply criticized the government’s 2025 national budget, describing the US$1.2 billion financial plan as “a joke” that fails to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary Liberians.
Speaking to reporters in Monrovia, Freeman argued that the proposed allocations overwhelmingly favor the country’s top political institutions rather than addressing pressing social and economic needs.
“Even if we collect US$5 billion, the Executive budget will jump and so will the Legislature,” Freeman said. “There will always be justifications for increasing their share, but nothing changes for the people”, he re-emphasized.
Freeman pointed to disparities he believes reflect the government’s misaligned priorities.
He highlighted that while private radio stations survive on minimal resources, the state-owned broadcaster ELBC receives US$1.9 million in public funds yet offers limited public engagement.
“Private radio stations are operating with little support, but ELBC gets US$1.9 million of taxpayers’ money and the people cannot freely talk on the station,” he said.
“These are the wanton abuses of power that continue”, Freeman blasted.
The MPC leader went further, questioning the very existence of the Executive Mansion, calling it an unnecessary symbol of political over-investment.
“There is no need for a eliberate infrastructure called the Executive Mansion,” Freeman argued. “As President, I will convert it into a five-star hotel.”
He noted that the presidency had previously been effectively managed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the administration of former President George Weah, a proof, he said, that a large presidential palace is not essential for national administration.
Freeman, as a CEO overseeing more than 5,000 employees in multiple countries, said the Liberian presidency is bloated with redundant positions.
“I don’t need special assistants. I already have departments. I only need my laptop,” he added.
Opposition Leader Questions the Existence of Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs
Freeman also challenged the need for the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, a powerful institution that consumes millions annually.
“Why do we even need a Ministry of State for PresidentialAffairs?” he questioned. “The sooner we review such structures, the better the budget will work for ordinary people.”
He warned that unless government institutions are streamlined and expenditures restructured, the country will continue to face financial inefficiency and citizens will remain burdened.
“If these changes do not happen, the issue will continue, and the people will keep feeling the pinch,” he emphasized.
Liberia’s national budget has climbed from US$518 million (2018) to over US$1.2 billion (2025).
Public sector wages and operational costs account for more than 60% of annual spending.
Critics say allocations to the Executive, Legislature, and State-Owned Enterprises grow yearly at the expense of health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Freeman’s comments come as national debate intensifies over government spending, transparency, and service delivery.
