Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle Makes Controversial Remarks in Response to MPs’ Questions

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle made controversial remarks during a House of Representatives session, criticizing MPs for reportedly not thoroughly reading the Appropriation Bill before listening to discussions. Addressing the parliamentarians, he stated, “Only with an advanced theoretical understanding can one grasp the philosophy of the budget.” These sharp comments were made while responding to questions raised by MPs during the bill’s deliberation. The session took place on May 12 in Kathmandu.

Dr. Wagle questioned the capacity and intellectual level of the MPs asking questions, stating, “I believe that a deeper theoretical grasp is necessary to truly understand the budget’s essence.” He reiterated this pointed critique on Friday, adding, “There is a small booklet on the Appropriation Bill, which it seems many MPs have not received. Even those who have obtained it appeared to focus more on the general budget and discussions rather than providing comments specific to the booklet’s content.”

During Friday’s debate on the Appropriation Bill in the House of Representatives, the Finance Minister stood at the rostrum to answer MPs’ inquiries and expressed these remarks. He emphasized, “Had they reviewed the booklet, the dialogue would have been more focused.” While MPs may raise broad questions in theoretical discussions of the Appropriation Bill, the minister responded with pointed and somewhat dismissive comments toward the questioners. The parliamentary sectoral budget discussions are still ongoing, where detailed deliberations will cover allocated amounts by category and expected outcomes from various programs.