“We are going to approach all the parties, requesting them to send their representatives keeping an eye on economic and fiscal affairs in the mechanism, so that we can come up with a politically inclusive and acceptable budget,” said Finance Minister Barshaman Pun.[break]
Pun who disclosed his plan on formation of the mechanism while talking to media persons on Thursday also expressing hope that formation of such a mechanism, if materialized, could break an ice, creating a ground for rebuilding understanding between the UCPN (Maoist)and other political parties.
Presently, Nepali Congress, CPN UML and other fringe parties that deplored the dissolution of Constituent Assembly (CA) without institutionalizing its achievements and protested the prime minister´s announcement of the date for fresh CA elections have disengaged themselves from political dialogues.
Such a situation, meanwhile, has created constitutional vacuum and political chaos in the country, turning private sector jittery. The business leaders expressed their concerns when FM Pun and senior MoF officials held talks with them on Wednesday.
“It is true the unexpected turn of political events has had its impact on the market and the private sector. But we would like to assure all that the government will work out a solution,” said Pun.
In this context, Pun added he was positively considering the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry´s (FNCCI´s) suggestion to come up with a common minimum economic program (CMEP), bringing all the parties on board, to recreate the market´s trust on political leadership.
“Private sector had long been pushing for CMEP. I think it has become indispensable at this hour. After all, resetting an environment of political trust is very important to keep the economy moving,” said Pun. “In this context, engaging all the parties in the budget formulation process could help create a common ground for all of us,” he added.
As a caretaker finance minister, Pun said he would extend all possible support to other ministries to step up capital spending, revive investors´ confidence and stabilize markets. “Macro-economic fundamentals are in a good shape. We will make sure those indicators continue to remain good,” said Pun.
On queries on the fresh CA elections, Pun said Elections Commission was yet to work out budget required for the purpose. Last CA election had cost around Rs 10 billion.
“It will not exert any pressure on the new budget though, as 2012/13 in any case was known as election year and MoF has already included the cost in its ceiling,” said Pun.
´No participation without political consensus´
Nepali Congress and CPN UML has debunked chances of their involvement in the budget formulation process unless the government -- and UCPN Maoist in particular -- settled the larger political issues.
“Seeking inputs on budget by excluding fundamental political issues and future course of political actions will be a futile exercise,” said CPN UML leader and former Finance Minister Surendra Pandey.
NC leader and former FM Dr Ram Sharan Mahat too said that his party´s response to the government´s call will depend on how and for what the government approaches it for.
“We are sensitive to economic issues. But the government must first make clear what it wants from us. If it wants us to give inputs on budget only and keep us out on other matters, we will say we do not want to endorse your deeds,” said Dr Mahat. “But if it sought broader collaboration and approached us transparently and with genuine intent, we will extend positive support,” he added.
In the wake of CA dissolution without bring the new constitution and PM setting November 22 as the date for fresh CA election, NC, UML and other fringe parties have been demanding that Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai step down.
They have also been urging for formation of a consensus government, and are awaiting calls for talks in this connection.
“If UCPN (Maoist) and PM Bhattarai invite us to resume this political process, we will respond positively,” said Pandey.
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