Singapore PM defends 2025 budget as responsible, well-managed
The Singaporean Government is able to provide a suite of support measures in this Budget as it has managed its resources properly, and because it is doing everything it can to help Singaporeans cope with cost pressures and to improve their lives, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Singapore (VNA) 🦋– Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has stated that the 2025 budget’s perceived generosity is due to the government’s responsible financial management.
In a short clip uploaded to his social media accounts on February 25, PM Wong answered four questions that he had received since delivering the Budget statement on February 18.
On whether Budget 2025 is an election Budget, he said it was a fact that the Government’s latest spending plan coincides with a year when the general election will be held.
The Government is able to provide a suite of support measures in this Budget as it has managed its resources properly, and because it is doing everything it can to help Singaporeans cope with cost pressures and to improve their lives.
Wong also clarified that support initiatives like the SG60 package and cost-of-living relief make up only 5% of the total budget, with most spending focused on long-term programmes like SkillsFuture and elderly care. The government is also investing in environmental protection and addressing rising sea levels.
On the decision to provide SG60 shopping vouchers instead of cash aid, Wong said the move was based on the success of previous CDC vouchers, which benefited local businesses.
Singapore’s parliament will debate the budget from February 26 to 28, with PM Wong set to deliver a closing speech on February 28./.
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