Senegal presidential majority cadres defend debt management plan

The Coalition of Cadres of the Presidential Majority, a group comprising academics, experts, and economic actors, has issued a statement defending the Senegalese government's approach to managing public debt. The coalition supports the Debt Treatment Plan of Senegal (PTDS), presented on September 1, 2026, which aims to reduce the debt burden and increase budgetary margins for national investment.

The group responded to a recent critique signed by 191 academics linked to the PASTEF party, arguing that the debt issue should be addressed with rigor and responsibility rather than political slogans. They noted that while the IMF estimated public debt at 132% of GDP at the end of 2024, Senegal has consistently honored its financial commitments.

Financial data cited in the declaration highlights the significant impact of debt servicing. In the 2026 budget, interest and commissions are projected to reach 1,190.6 billion FCFA, representing approximately 25% of tax revenues. The coalition also pointed to improving fiscal indicators, noting that the budget deficit decreased from 13.4% of GDP in 2024 to 6.4% in 2025, alongside real growth rates of 6.5% in 2024 and 6.7% in 2025.