Luanda - Angola’s National Assembly (AN) said on Saturday it will give priority to the approval of the State budget (OGE) and the conclusion of the legislative package on local government in the Parliamentary Year (2022-2023).
The pledge came from the Parliament Speaker, Carolina Cerqueira, when addressing a Solemn Plenary Opening Meeting of the 1st Legislative Session of the Fifth Legislature.
The event was marked by the State of the Nation Speech delivered by the President of the Republic, João Lourenço on Saturday.
Carolina Cerqueira pointed to the approval of the General State Budget as the biggest challenge for the first legislative session, which she described as "the main instrument for fulfilling electoral promises".
"In discussion of this issue, we will certainly be faced with different options. But we cannot forget that our commitment is to people and their social well-being, transparency and ethics in the management of public affairs", she stressed.
The National Assembly Speaker also stressed the need to complete the process of institutionalisation of the local government. "This issue is crucial for development of the societies", she noted.
She stated that the institutionalisation of the local government will allow better care and zeal for the public good, above all, greater proximity between the rulers and the citizens.
The Speaker stated that the deputies should pay special attention to the approval of the Organic Statute of the National Assembly, as well as to implement the State Protocol Law and the law on national languages, "which will translate into recognition for the rich material and intangible heritage, cultural and social that characterises the country".
According to her, in that Legislature, the political parties will have to undertake new dynamics for the development of the parliamentary activity, among which the accomplishment of studies of economic and social impact of the legislative action in the life of the citizens.
She noted that the mission of the MPs, regardless of the party colours they represent, is to tirelessly contribute to the development and well-being of Angolans and the achievement of major goals in favour of national development and the improvement of the population's living conditions.
