The General Directorate of Treasury and Public Accounting has dismissed claims that the disappearance of its 2025 budget expenditure tracking item from its website was due to anything other than a "technical failure." The directorate confirmed this in a statement given to the independent media agency, asserting that the issue has since been resolved.
The Treasury emphasized that no decision was made to withhold information regarding the 2025 budget spending, insisting on their commitment to transparency in public affairs, stating clearly, "It is not in our plans at all. Transparency in dealing with public affairs is a common denominator for all the reforms we undertake, believing in the right of the citizen, regardless of their status or position, to access information in an appropriate and timely manner."
The unexpected disappearance of the budget expenditure tracking information ignited concerns, notably from the independent news agency, reporting that the segment remained blank for several weeks after the expenditure process commenced.
According to the Treasury’s statement, the section provides a real-time picture of spending. However, the official final portrayal of budget execution is derived from financial operation tables published periodically on the Treasury’s website. The directorate also expressed astonishment at a news outlet’s coverage that inaccurately alleged the withholding of the 2025 budget expenditure details, emphasizing that many readers may have been misled by the phrasing of the report.
The Treasury highlighted the importance of adhering to professional standards in journalism, suggesting that the media should have sought clarification about the data loss rather than jumping to conclusions. They described the incident only as a technical failure, denying any malicious intent or decision to obscure budgetary details.
As a result of the technical disruption, it was noted that attempts to access the Treasury’s website were met with failure, with the site reportedly being completely unresponsive for over half an hour.
The situation brings to mind previous instances where budgetary data were similarly withheld. In 2021, the General Directorate of Treasury also concealed aspects of the budget until it was later restored in French, with the Arabic version still reportedly withheld. Consequently, concerns about transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds are at the forefront of this issue.
As of now, the Treasury has continuously sought to assure the public and the press of their commitment to transparency, advocating for the public's right to be informed without delay and in a format that is clear and accessible.
In the end, it is essential to underline the significance of responsible reporting, as mischaracterization of the facts may lead to detrimental misunderstandings and a breach of trust between public institutions and the citizens they serve.
