Speaker of Parliament has rejected a motion that sought to open debate on salary increases approved for the Speaker, cabinet ministers and local councillors.
The rejection prevents the matter from being discussed on the floor under the rules applied to the resolution. Opposition members had raised concerns that the adjustments amounted to an insult to the public at a time of economic pressure.
Earlier, a parliamentary committee had approved the pay hikes. Critics argued that the increases were poorly timed given low foreign reserves and other fiscal challenges. Supporters within the ruling party maintained that the adjustments reflected long-standing disparities in compensation for high office.
The decision by the Speaker ends the immediate parliamentary route for challenging the increases through that particular motion. Separate public and opposition commentary on the issue is expected to continue outside formal proceedings.
Pay levels for constitutional posts have periodically drawn scrutiny whenever large adjustments are approved without broad public consultation.
