The text has been on the deputies’ table since September 18, and it could well be the most uncomfortable vote of the legislature. As they examine the 2026 amended finance bill, the Pastef majority faces a stark choice: approve a budget tied to the IMF agreement, or risk being accused of paralyzing the state. This is a dilemma where every answer carries a political cost.

At its core, the amended finance bill profoundly reshapes the year’s accounts. The budget deficit is now projected at 1,735.2 billion CFA francs, or 7.6% of GDP, up from an initial 5.4%. The government attributes this deterioration mainly to soaring energy subsidies, new priority spending, and falling revenues.

The energy sector bears the brunt of the shock. The envelope to support the sector jumps from 250 billion to 790.3 billion CFA francs, an increase of 540.3 billion. Meanwhile, expected revenues drop to 5,848.7 billion CFA francs, 340.1 billion less than the 6,188.8 billion forecast in the initial finance law. The executive blames the global energy crisis and a rainfall deficit.

To contain the drift, the text sacrifices investment. The government plans a 555 billion CFA franc cut in investments, split between domestic and external resources. In return, some social safety nets are strengthened: family security scholarship funding rises from 35 billion to 70 billion CFA francs. Finally, authorities aim to bring energy subsidies below 1% of GDP by 2029, while better targeting vulnerable households. This last point fuels concerns over electricity and fuel prices.

A yes vote: endorsing the deal they once criticized

This law is not a mere accounting adjustment. It comes after the agreement between Senegal and the IMF, which still awaits approval from the Fund’s Board. The tentative deal covers $2.2 billion over 36 months. And the IMF’s mission chief for Senegal, Mercedes Vera Martin, has been…