A recent call for salary cuts by prominent Boakai supporter Jonathan Paye-Layleh starkly depicts the hypocrisy of the Unity Party (UP) and its supporters regarding austerity measures [1][3]. This dramatic shift in stance from their vehement criticism of the previous administration's harmonization policy to now advocating for even more severe cuts exposes a glaring inconsistency in their economic approach.
During the 2023 election campaign, the UP vehemently opposed the harmonization policy, promising to dismantle it upon taking office[2]. They capitalized on public discontent, particularly among health workers who felt their salaries had been unfairly reduced. The party's slogan, "You harmonize our pay, we harmonize your vote," resonated with many disgruntled civil servants[2]. However, less than a year into Boakai's presidency, the UP-led government not only maintains the harmonization framework but also contemplates more drastic measures.
Former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. has rightly called out this blatant hypocrisy, demanding a public apology from the UP for misleading voters[6][8]. Tweah points out that the government's current approach essentially continues the trends initiated under harmonization, directly contradicting their campaign promises[8]. This U-turn not only undermines the UP's credibility but also raises serious questions about their understanding of Liberia's economic realities before taking office.
The UP government's failure to fulfill key campaign promises, such as increasing salaries for University of Liberia instructors and judges, further erodes public trust[6]. Moreover, the removal of the $5 million allocation for health workers' salary increases from the 2024 budget, a provision made by the previous administration, contradicts their purported commitment to improving civil servants' welfare[4].
President Boakai's alleged 40% salary cut, reducing his annual earnings from $13,400 to $8,000, while seemingly significant, appears more symbolic than substantive when considering the broader economic context[9]. This gesture, reminiscent of his predecessor George Weah's 25% cut, does little to address the systemic issues plaguing Liberia's economy and public sector wages.
The UP's current stance on austerity measures not only contradicts its campaign rhetoric but also potentially alienates its core support base. The party that once championed the cause of underpaid civil servants now advocates for policies that may further strain these workers[5][7].
The UP's dramatic shift from critics of harmonization to proponents of even stricter austerity measures underscores a troubling pattern of political opportunism. This inconsistency damages the party's credibility and raises serious concerns about its ability to govern and address Liberia's complex economic challenges effectively. As the reality of governance sets in, the UP's promises of economic revival are increasingly ringing hollow, leaving many Liberians questioning the sincerity of their leaders' commitments.
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References
[1] https://analystliberiaonline.com/boakai-slashes-salary-by-40-supporters-celebrate-critics-bemoan-action/
[2] https://liberianinvestigator.com/update/tweah-condemns-unity-partys-hypocrisy-on-salary-harmonization/
[3] https://trtafrika.com/africa/liberias-president-boakai-takes-40-salary-cut-18181849
[4] https://frontpageafricaonline.com/news/liberia-amid-budget-submission-controversy-finance-minister-ngafuan-projects-5-8-economic-growth-as-budget-increases-by-15-3/
[5] https://smartnewsliberia.com/president-boakais-salary-cut-faces-criticism-amidst-calls-for-greater-fiscal-accountability/
[6] https://allafrica.com/stories/202410150393.html
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCOW37bYcYI
[8] https://oraclenewsdaily.com/2024/10/14/liberia-harmonization-extended-government-declares-no-salary-increment-for-civil-servants-until-2028/
[9] https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/09/liberian-president-slashes-salary-by-40/
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