One of Cameroon’s main opposition political parties, The Social Democratic Front (SDF) has strongly criticised the recently submitted 2025 Finance Bill, warning of potential economic hardships for the nation.
The party expressed concerns over the bill’s lack of clarity regarding the government’s economic vision and its failure to address pressing issues such as inflation and rising living costs. The SDF highlighted the significant increase in the cost of living, particularly for food products, and the government’s plans to raise fuel prices, which could further exacerbate economic challenges.
The party also criticised the government’s fiscal policy, arguing that it favours inequality and fails to incentivise work, investment, and innovation. The SDF called on citizens to actively engage in political processes to address these issues and prevent further economic decline.
In a position statement, the party has expressed strong reservations about the 2025 Finance Bill, submitted to the National Assembly after a 40-day delay. According to Louis Marie Kakdeu, SDF’s Second Vice National Chairman, the bill fails to provide tangible solutions to the country’s economic challenges.
Lack of Budgetary and Fiscal Coherence
The SDF criticises the bill for lacking a clear economic vision, noting that it has failed to specify whether Cameroon will continue implementing the SND30 framework aimed at reducing economic dependence on foreign entities. “Instead, the bill perpetuates external dependence, with Article 8’s import-substitution policy provisions deemed inadequate”, the statement said.
On the rising Cost of Living, the SDF said Cameroon’s inflation rate soared to 14% in 2024, primarily affecting food prices. The SDF argues that the budget should have increased by FCFA 1000 billion to maintain the 2024 standard of living. However, the allocated FCFA 39 billion is considered insufficient.
It went on to label the government’s plan to hike fuel prices as “economic suicide”. The party said current prices stand at FCFA 369 at the port of Douala and FCFA 840 at the pump. It attributed the huge price difference to the government’s support of capitalist interests. The SDF proposes a reduced price of FCFA 400 per litre.
On Fiscal Policy concerns, the SDF questions the government’s fiscal policy, citing its failure to balance revenue guarantees with inclusive economic growth. The party doubts the wisdom of approving a meagre FCFA 1800 billion investment budget amidst rising production costs.
By Andrew Nsoseka
