Landless People's Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi criticised government's handling of public debt, declining diamond revenues and the future of the green hydrogen and oil industries, warning that poor management could undermine future economic opportunities.
Contributing to the budget debate, Swartbooi said he would not support the budget adjustments, except for the allocation towards judicial officers' salary adjustments.
He also questioned the effectiveness of government spending on youth enterprises and small businesses, demanding evidence of sustainable job creation and improved livelihoods.
"9.6% of Namibians earn N$11,000 and above, but below N$40,000. And 61.6% of Namibians earn below N$2,000.This data is not surprising, but it is certain. These declines are indicative of a failing economy that works for the few. It shows a fallen flat policy outcome in each and every area of economic and social planning and implementation."
Other MPs continued to make contributions, with some calling for investment in resettlement farms, irrigation infrastructure and affordable agricultural inputs, arguing that high fuel costs and limited water infrastructure continue to constrain production.
IPC MP Michael Mulunga, in his contribution, said, "I have previously proposed on the floor of this House in motion calling for the subdivision of resettlement farms into smaller productive units, between 50 and 100 hectares. These units are ideally suited for substantive funding, such as horticulture, poultry, piggery and feedlots. While the Finance Minister speaks of fiscal consolidation in protecting the pro-poor programmes, there is no tangible financial commitment in this mid-year budget review to operationalise this vision."
"Further request the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, as well as the Minister of Finance, to return to Parliament before the end of this parliamentary session for the year 2026 with an initial assessment of livelihood losses, cost relief, proposals and drought and drought readiness priorities. Parliament should receive monthly reports," said AR MP Vaino Hangula.