Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Updates on General Election and Budget Preparations

Timing of Next General Election Yet to Be Decided

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has stated that the timing of the next general election has yet to be decided. According to Wong, the people will know once the process begins, and he has “all the time from now until the end of next year” to decide. The next general election must be called by November 2025.

Electoral Boundaries Review Committee

Wong noted that the electoral boundaries review committee has not convened, and “when we do so, we will announce it, as we always do. We won’t do these things quietly.” The last few general elections were called between one to three months after the release of the committee’s report.

Budget Preparations

Wong, who is also finance minister, said preparations for the 2025 budget had begun, with pre-budget consultations set to start next month. The government will focus on several broad themes, including economic strategies, opportunities, skills upgrading, and jobs for workers and better income for everyone.

Cost of Living Concerns

“I know that the cost of living remains a key concern for many,” Wong said. “We have had measures announced in this year’s budget that are still being rolled out and hopefully will provide some relief.”

US-China Relationship

When asked to comment on the election of Donald Trump as the next US president, the prime minister said he believes Singapore will be able to continue working well with the new administration. He noted that during Trump’s first term, Singapore and the US extended their agreement on defence, while trade and investments continue to grow in a very productive manner.

Wong also expressed concerns about the broad dynamics in the US-China relationship, which is currently in a challenging place, regardless of who is in power. “We hope leaders on both sides will make wise choices to engage with one another, to find a way to coexist. Where possible, Singapore will do its part to facilitate such a relationship,” he said.

Conclusion

In summary, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has emphasized that the timing of the next general election is still uncertain and will be announced when the electoral boundaries review committee convenes. Meanwhile, preparations for the 2025 budget are underway, focusing on themes such as economic strategies and job creation. Wong has also expressed his confidence in Singapore’s ability to continue working well with the new US administration, while highlighting concerns about the US-China relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

* When will the next general election be held?
+ The exact date is yet to be decided, but it must be called by November 2025.
* When will the electoral boundaries review committee convene?
+ The committee has not convened yet, and its meeting will be announced when it does.
* What are the key themes of the 2025 budget?
+ The government will focus on economic strategies, opportunities, skills upgrading, and jobs for workers and better income for everyone.
* How does Singapore plan to address the cost of living concerns?
+ Measures announced in this year’s budget are being rolled out, and the government hopes they will provide some relief.