The main item on the agenda is the report of the Committee on Budget and Appropriations on the budget estimate of the national government for 2026-2027, which is expected to be presented on June 2. This report will set the stage for debates on both the 2026 appropriations bill and the 2026 financial bill. In addition, the House of Representatives will consider Senate amendments to the 2026 Revenue Appropriations Bill and the 2026 Congressional Revenue Appropriations Bill. The Revenue Sharing Bill, which determines the order of distribution of national income between levels of power, was originally passed by the National Assembly in March 2026.
The finance bill, which is expected to quickly pass committee before being sent to the president for approval, remains one of the main causes of budgetary tension in the country. Parliament argues that the bill is a vital «revenue reform tool» designed to address budget deficits and debt pressures. On the contrary, critics argue that the proposed policy exacerbates the difficulties of society.
Among the most controversial measures in the 2026 Finance Bill are the adjustment of VAT rates on certain goods and the expansion of tax collection measures in both the formal and informal economy. Parliament sees this as a necessary measure to close compliance gaps and expand the tax base, rather than simply increasing the tax burden.
Other contentious issues include fuel taxation and energy levies. Stakeholders warn that higher fuel taxes could trigger inflation as fuel remains a major economic factor. Parliament argues that these fees are necessary to finance infrastructure and ensure a sustainable energy supply, citing unsustainable financial pressures caused by previous funding models.
Another controversial issue is the tightening of tax collection in the digital economy, including revenues from mobile money transfers and online activity. Digital entrepreneurs have expressed concerns about the impact of these measures on innovation and how young enterprises that rely heavily on mobile technology could suffer disproportionately. Parliament, on the other hand, pointed out that the digital economy should be fully taxed to balance the burden currently borne by the traditional sector.
The bill's passage is further complicated by concerns about rising public debt, and experts are questioning whether the government is focusing on generating revenue rather than on necessary spending cuts. Furthermore, while some question the degree of public participation, Parliament insists that all stakeholder consultations and committee hearings be conducted in accordance with constitutional requirements, arguing that the process is transparent and legally sound.
The 2026 Finance Bill will go through a thorough article review in committee, where MPs can propose amendments. If passed, the bill would be sent to the President for approval, which would finalize the government's tax regime for fiscal year 2026. As events unfold, the outcome will be determined by a complex interplay of political, economic, and societal interests.
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