MPs passed the 7,318 billion FCFA budget late on Friday following twelve hours of debate over allocations to defence and rural development.

The National Assembly on Friday evening adopted the 2025 Finance Law in a 158-to-32 vote, closing a marathon plenary session that stretched past midnight and exposed deep divisions over priorities for the coming fiscal year.

Tabled by the Minister of Finance two weeks earlier, the bill sets state spending at 7,318 billion FCFA — a 3.2% increase over 2024 — with the largest envelopes going to public works, defence and education.

Opposition MPs criticised what they described as an opaque allocation to the special funds reserved for the presidency, while the majority defended the text as a balanced response to security and infrastructure pressures.

The bill now moves to the Senate, which is expected to begin its review on Monday.