Maine, Ghana, South Africa Parliaments Face Budget Delays, Funding Disputes

Several legislatures around the world are currently grappling with budget and financial challenges as they approach critical deadlines. In Maine, lawmakers are racing to finalize a two-year, $11.3 billion budget plan by June 18, amid disagreements over Medicaid funding reforms and tax proposals, with some spending delayed until June 20 raising concerns among health care providers. Similarly, South Africa's Finance Minister faces opposition to the 2025 budget, particularly regarding VAT and fuel levy increases, with debates scheduled to determine the fiscal framework and revenue proposals. In Ghana, Parliament is experiencing a cash crunch that hampers committee operations, despite MPs receiving salaries, as the Finance Ministry delays releasing operational funds, affecting legislative oversight and function. Meanwhile, Nepal's Parliament is set to discuss the 2025/26 fiscal budget amid political obstructions related to a separate scandal, further complicating legislative progress. These cases illustrate the global complexities of budgeting processes, where political disagreements, funding delays, and public service impacts converge.