Sudan to reduce ministries and government members
June 18, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government is expected to adopt on Monday a number of measures aiming to reshape national and regional governments within the framework of economic austerity plan.
The National Congress Party (NCP) decided to reduce the number of government cabinet ministers, and the level staffing at federal and state governments. The ruling party also announced holding large consultations with its numerous political allies.
The ministers and officials of the economic sector in the Sudanese government, chaired by finance minister Ali Mahmoud, will meet on Monday evening to discuss the austerity measures before its formal approval by the cabinet in a meeting chaired by President Omar Al-Bashir on Tuesday.
Khartoum based Al Sahaf newspaper said the position of deputy minister will be cancelled in all the ministries except for four important ministries including the finance, foreign affairs, and defence.
The government also intends to merge a wide number of existing ministries as well as reducing salaries by 25% and privileges.
Hajo Gassem Elsid, deputy speaker of the National Assembly told reporters on Sunday that the restructuring aims, besides the governments, to reduce the leadership of the regional parliaments.
Hajo told reporters yesterday that the measures will be adopted by the parliament on Thursday.
He stressed that by doing so, the government intend to reduce its spending before to remove fuel subsidies.
The law maker went further to minimise student protests in Khartoum University on Sunday adding that such decision cannot be implemented without troubles. He also cast doubts on the capacity of the opposition to mobilise on the streets.
(ST)