Citizens remain largely excluded from decisions regarding the use of public funds in Madagascar. The public participation score in the budgetary process dropped from 9 out of 100 in 2023 to 4 in 2025. This decline was highlighted in the 2025 Open Budget Survey (OBS), presented on October 6 in Antananarivo. Conducted by MSIS Tatao, this survey evaluates access to budgetary information, opportunities for citizen participation, and oversight of public fund utilization.
Access to information is improving. Madagascar achieved a score of 44 out of 100 in 2025, compared to 39 in 2023 and 27 in 2021. However, several documents remain unavailable, notably the pre-budget statement, the year-end report, and the corresponding audit report.
The main problem remains the limited role granted to citizens. With a score of 4 out of 100, their participation remains below the sub-Saharan African average of 16 and the global average of 17.
Budgetary decisions directly impact daily life, determining resources allocated to education, health, infrastructure, and public services. Access to figures is not enough; citizens must also be able to understand budgetary choices and express their concerns.
Budget oversight remains limited, with a score of 30 out of 100 in 2025, compared to 31 in 2023. The survey notably points out the absence of public debates with Parliament before the budget is adopted.
Proposed solutions include the timely publication of documents, simplified access to information, and increased participation from citizens and civil society. The goal is to enable the public to better track the use of state funds. Information and consultation spaces must also be created so that citizens can provide their input on budgetary choices and monitor their implementation.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-07 06:38:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/gestion-de-largent-public-les-citoyens.html