Open Budget Survey 2015 Cameroon

Open Budget Survey 2015 Section 1. Public Availability of Budget Docs. Section One: The Availability of Budget Documents contains a series of four tables that allow the researcher to examine and map the public availability and dissemination of its country s key budget documents (i.e., Pre-Budget Statement, Executive s Budget Proposal (EBP) and Supporting EBP Documents, Citizens Budget, Enacted Budget, In-Year Reports, Mid-Year Review, Year- End Report, and Audit Report), as well as any national laws regulating budget processes and financial management. Once filled in, these tables will serve as a foundation for the completion of the rest of the questionnaire, as researchers will reference the specific documents cited in the tables to answer the questions contained in Sections 2-5 of the questionnaire. Table 1. Key Budget Documents BUDGET DOCUMENT Full Title Fiscal Year the Budget

Document Refers to Date of Publication Pre-Budget Statement Circulaire n 001/CAB/PR du 30 juillet 2013 relative à la préparation du budget de l'etat pour l'exercice 2014. 2014 July 31, 2013 Executive's Budget Proposal (EBP) Projet - Loi de nances de la République du Cameroun pour l'exercice 2014 FINANCE BILL OF THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON FOR THE 2014 FINANCIAL YEAR 2014 vember 27, 2013 Supporting EBP Document Projet Loi de Finances 2014 - Prévision de recettes budgétaires Financial Bill for the 2014 Financial Year - Budgetary Revenue Projections 2014 vember 27, 2013 Supporting EBP Document Projet Loi de Finances 2014 - Projet de performances des administrations Financial Bill for the 2014 nancial Year - Administrations Performance Project 2014 vember 27, Supporting EBP Document Projet Loi de Finances 2014 - Dette publique Financial Bill for the 2014 Financial Year - Public Debt 2014 vember 27, Loi N 2013/017 du 16 décembre 2013 portant loi de nances de la République du

Enacted Budget Cameroun pour l'exercice 2014. Financial Law for the 2014 Financial year 2014 December 17, 2013 Citizens Budget (for EBP or Enacted Budget) N/A N/A N/A In-Year Report N/A N/A N/A Additional in-year report Additional in-year report N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Mid-Year Review N/A N/A N/A Year-End Report Loi n 2013-16 du 16 décembre 2013 portant loi de règlement de l'execice budgétaire 2012 Law.2013/16 of 16 december 2013 on the settlement Law for the 2012 nancial year 2012 December 2013 Audit Report N/A N/A N/A Sources: "The additional documents of the s budget proposal and finance act for the 2014 financial year are: 1. 2014 Finance bill - State financial support to enterprises; 2. 2014 Finance bill - Special accounts 3. 2014 Finance bill - Public indebtedness strategy These three documents were made available to the public at the same time as the Executive Budget Proposal. Meaning on vember 27, 2013, after the submission of the budget proposal to Parliament (National Assembly and Senate). 4. Newsletter no. 001/MINFI/DGI/LC/L from January 15, 2014 - Specifying the application procedures of the tax provisions of law no/2013/017 of December 16, 2013, on the finance act of the Republic of for the 2014 financial year; 5. The newsletters on the Instructions on the Implementation of Finance Acts, the Monitoring and Control of the Execution of the State Budget, the Public Administrative Establishments, Decentralized Territorial Units and other Subsidized Organizations, for the 2014 financial year. These documents are published two weeks after the adoption and promulgation of the finance act. In the context of this study, we will use the additional documents: 6. The State s new financial regime - Law no. 2007/006/ from 12/26/2007 on the State s financial regime; and, 7. The General Tax Code of, 2013 version."

Opinion:, I agree with the score but wish to add a comment, clarification, or suggest another reference. Comments: "It is useful to note that, on a quarterly basis, the Ministry of Finance provides an economic trend note (sometimes in the form of a press release) on the execution of the State Budget, which can therefore not be considered as a current year execution report. So the researcher is right to note that the current year reports have not been produced. Regarding the audit report, the Audit Chamber of made us realize that even though the audit report for the analysis period selected by the researcher (2012) was already internally produced, it is still subject to validation by the Supreme Court. Because it should be stressed that the Audit Chamber of is still an institution administered by the Supreme Court of, even though the directives of December 19, 2011, from the Economic and Monetary Committee of the Central African States had imposed, on December 31, 2013, the creation of an Audit Court enjoying complete and full independence to ensure the transparency of its opinions." Table 2a. Details about Availability Budget Documents Tick box if answer to the questions is yes Pre-Budget Statement Executive s Budget Proposal Enacted Budget Citizens Budget Is it produced at all? Is it produced for internal purposes only? Is it published too late compared to the accepted timeframe? Is it available to the public in hard copy, with charge? Is it available to the public in hard copy, NO charge? Is it available to the public

in soft copy, with charge? Is it available to the public in soft copy, NO charge? Is it available to the public online? https://www.prc.cm/fr https://www.prc.cm/fr/a If available online, provide internet/url address ctualites/actes/313- circulaire-n-001-cab-pr- du-30-juillet-2013- relative-a-lapreparation-du-budgetde-l-etat-pour-l- N/A http://www.presidence ducameroun.com/news /? mode=newsdetails&id= 3205 N/A exercice-2014? showall=&start=2 Is it machine readable? [only for electronic copies] Is there a citizens version of the budget document? N/A Sources: "In, there is no Citizen Budget document, but the Prime Minister delivers a press release to Parliament each year when the executive budget proposal is submitted for examination. This presentation is titled the Economic, Financial and Sociocultural Presentation of the Government better known under the name Government Priorities, which is the simplified version of the budget proposal that the government publishes each year during the budgetary session. The websites of the President of the Republic, the departments of the Prime Minister, the Directorate General of Taxes, provides sufficient information on the key budgetary documents. In addition to the information on this table, we will also focus on the provisions of the new financial regimes of the State, adopted and promulgated in 2007 by the President of the Republic." Opinion:, I agree with the score but wish to add a comment, clarification, or suggest another reference. Comments: "I agree with the researcher s results. I will add that the State Budget Proposal is often given to the representatives outside of the legal timelines, which actually stipulates that the State Budget Proposal and all the required annexes must be delivered to the representatives 15 days before holding the parliamentary session on the examination of the State Budget Proposal, to allow the representatives to thoroughly understand the proposals within it. Regarding the citizen budget, the laws in neither provides it or requires it. Also, the yes/no response to the question on production and publication of the citizen budget is

not pertinent in the context of this investigation. Relative to public access to the paper version, The Preliminary Budget Report (RPB) and the Enacted Budget (the finance act) are published in the Tribune, the daily national governmental newspaper that costs 400 FCFA and which, by using official information as a publication source, has been distributed to the big cities and in the major towns of the administrative units. The Executive Budget Proposal (PBE) is not published in the Tribune. A copy can be obtained at the applicant s expense by request to the Ministry of Finance. It must be specified that it is still not easy for the citizens to know which department to see to obtain this document, even if he or she has the will and the means. Relative to the accessibility of electronic versions The State Budget Project is available in an electronic version in the departments of the Ministry of Finance and its absolutely not sold to citizens. However, the citizen who wants to get one must make the effort (which could be a very great effort) to know which department he or she should refer to in order to acquire this electronic version, without any guarantee of obtaining it, given that the document is not found on any internet site. The Enacted Budget (BA) is scanned (image file) before being put online on the internet sites of the Presidency and Taxes. We can also add to this online publishing the electronic version of the Daily Tribune of the edition on the finance act, which is obtained by subscription at the price of 400 FCFA per number. Relative to the citizen version of the budget document The researcher explains the reasons for which he believes that the State Budget Proposal, rendered into a summarized form by the Prime Minister, can be considered a citizen version of this document. Though even seen this way, this communication by the Prime Minister is not truly directed towards the citizens, since it is a regular opening exercise of the parliamentary session established for the examination of the budget. Thus, we suggest that the response is no. " Table 2b. Details about Availability Budget Documents Tick box if answer to the questions is yes In-Year Report Mid-Year Review Year-End Report Audit Report Is it produced at all? Is it produced for internal purposes only? Is it published too late compared to the accepted timeframe? Is it available to the public in hard copy, with charge?

Is it available to the public in hard copy, NO charge? Is it available to the public in soft copy, with charge? Is it available to the public in soft copy, NO charge? Is it available to the public online? If available online, provide internet/url address N/A N/A N/A N/A Is it machine readable? [only for electronic copies] Is there a citizens version of the budget document? Sources: "The in-year and mid-year reports of the budget execution are documents drafted for internal usage by the central administration of public finances and the technical partners. But a simplified form is published in the local press in the form of a press release on the execution of the budget at the end of March for the first quarter and mid-term for the first half of the budgetary year. The audit report is attached here for informational purposes to support the answer yes on the first question of this table. For this study, it cannot be a reference document to the extent that the audit report applicable to this study is the 2012 report which, unfortunately, is still not available." Comments: "The 2012 audit report of the Audit Chamber is not yet available to be used as a reference for the 2015 OBS. Links for the 2011 reports of the Audit Chamber http://www.chambredescomptes.net/images/stories/cdcdocs/rapportannuel2011.pdf" Opinion:, I agree with the score but wish to add a comment, clarification, or suggest another reference. Comments: "The in-year report and the mid-term report These documents drafted for internal usage are not accessible to the public and are simply covered in a press release published in the Tribune. In our interview with the Audit Chamber of the Supreme Court, we were informed that the 2012 audit report (under investigation) had been drafted a long time ago, but was sent to up to the Supreme Court which, until then, had not yet given its final discharge for its publication.

Table 3. When Are the Key Budget Documents Made Available to the Public? Pre-Budget Statement: When is the Pre-Budget Statement made available to the public? 100. At least four months in advance of the budget year, and at least one month before the executive s budget proposal is introduced in the legislature 67. At least two months, but less than four months, in advance of the budget year, and at least one month before the executive s budget proposal is introduced in the legislature 33. Less than two months in advance of the budget year, but at least one month before the executive s budget proposal is introduced in the legislature 0. Does not release to the public, or is released less than one month before the executive s budget proposal is introduced to the legislature Executive Budget Proposal: When is the Executive Budget Proposal made available to the public? 100. At least three months in advance of the budget year, and in advance of the budget being approved by the legislature 67. At least two months, but less than three months, in advance of the budget year, and in advance of the budget being approved by the legislature 33. Less than two months in advance of the budget year, but at least in advance of the budget being approved by the legislature 0. Does not release to the public, or is released after the budget has been approved by the legislature Enacted Budget: When is the Enacted Budget made available to the public? 100. Two weeks or less after the budget has been enacted 67. Between two weeks and six weeks after the budget has been enacted 33. More than six weeks, but less than three months, after the budget has been enacted 0. Does not release to the public, or is released more than three months after the budget has been enacted In-Year Report: When are In-Year Reports made available to the public? 100. At least every month, and within one month of the period covered 67. At least every quarter, and within three months of the period covered 33. At least semi-annually, and within three months of the period covered 0. Does not release to the public Mid-Year Review: How long after the mid-point in the fiscal year (i.e., six months into the fiscal year) is the Mid-Year Review made available to the public?

100. Six weeks or less after the mid-point 67. Nine weeks or less, but more than six weeks, after the mid-point 33. More than nine weeks, but less than three months, after the mid-point 0. Does not release to the public, or is released more than three months after the mid-point Year-End Report: How long after the end of the budget year is the Year-End Report made available to the public? 100. Six months or less after the end of the budget year 67. Nine months or less, but more than 6 months, after the end of the budget year 33. More than nine months, but within 12 months, after the end of the budget year 0. Does not release to the public, or is released more than 12 months after the end of the budget year Audit Report: How long after the end of the fiscal year are the final annual expenditures of national departments audited and released (except for secret programs)? 100. Six months or less after the end of the budget year 67. 12 months or less, but more than 6 months, after the end of the budget year 33. More than 12 months, but within 18 months, after the end of the budget year 0. Does not release to the public, or is released more than 18 months after the end of the budget year Sources: "The State Budget preparation newsletter for the 2014 financial year was published on July 31, 2013 [sic]. Thus 4 months before parliament examined the budget proposal. The budget proposal was handed off to representatives and senators one week after the parliamentary session established for examination of the budget started. This is contrary to the provisions of the new financial regime, which stipulates in its Article 39 that the government must have the executive budget proposal at the latest 15 days before the start of the session. Table 4. General Questions YES/NO If yes, additional information; If no, please note N/A in the text box. https://www.prc.cm/fr

Is there a website or web portal for government fiscal information? www.dgtcfm.cm www.spm.gov.cm www.impots.cm www.minepat.cm www.chambredescomp tes.net Is there a law (or laws) guiding public financial management? La loi n 2007/006/ du 26 Décembre 2007 - portant régime nancier de l'etat; Are there additional laws regulating: Access to information? Transparency? Citizens participation? N/A Sources: The new financial regime is the organic law that sets the conditions of development, presentation, execution and the inspection of the execution of the finance act. But together with this law are CEMAC directives on citizen access to budgetary information and the development manual of the program budget. But both of these documents we are citing in addition do not have the force of law. Opinion:, I agree with the score but wish to add a comment, clarification, or suggest another reference. Comments: "In addition to the law on the State financial regime of 12/26/2007 that the researcher correctly cited, it should also be specified that the General Regulations for Public Accounting (RGCP) was promulgated on May 15, 2013. http://www.presidenceducameroun.com/news/?lang=fr&mode=newsdetails&id=2972" Section 2. Comprehensiveness of the Executive's Budget Proposal 001. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present expenditures for the budget year that are classified by administrative unit (that is, by ministry, department, or agency)? A., administrative units accounting for all expenditures are presented. B., administrative units accounting for at least two-thirds of, but not all, expenditures are presented. C., administrative units accounting for less than two-thirds of expenditures are presented.

D., expenditures are not presented by administrative unit. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 Budget Proposal - Second title: Budgetary expenses, fifth chapter: Distribution of expenses of the general budget, sixth article - pages 12 and 13. Comments: "In the sense of law no. 2007/006 from December 26, 2007, on the State financial regime, one chapter represents one ministry, etc. One uniform group of departments or administrative units. Article 9 (1)." 002. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present expenditures for the budget year by functional classification? A., expenditures are presented by functional classification. B., expenditures are not presented by functional classification. C. t applicable/other (please comment). A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 Budget Proposal - Forecast of budgetary revenue - Expenditures classified by function and economic nature - pages 112

003. If the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation presents expenditures for the budget year by functional classification, is the functional classification compatible with international standards? A., the functional classification is compatible with international standards. B., the functional classification is not compatible with international standards, or expenditures are not presented by functional classification. C. t applicable/other (please comment). A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Revenue forecast - Expenditures classified by sectors and economic types- pages 110, 112. Comments: The functional classification is compatible with international standards. The framing of the sectors or focus areas of public policies and codification are certainly not the same. But the structure is that recommended by the good practices of IMF. 004. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present expenditures for the budget year by economic classification? A., expenditures are presented by economic classification. B., expenditures are not presented by economic classification. C. t applicable/other (please comment).

A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Revenue forecast - Expenditures classified by function and economic nature - pages 70 and 115. 005. If the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation presents expenditures for the budget year by economic classification, is the economic classification compatible with international standards? A., the economic classification is compatible with international standards. B., the economic classification is not compatible with international standards, or expenditures are not presented by economic classification. C. t applicable/other (please comment). A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Forecast of budgetary revenue - Expenditures classified by function and economic type - page 113 Comments: Classification of expenditures by economic nature complies with international standards 006. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present expenditures for individual programs for the budget year?

A., programs accounting for all expenditures are presented. B., programs accounting for at least two-thirds of, but not all, expenditures are presented. C., programs accounting for less than two-thirds of expenditures are presented. D., expenditures are not presented by program. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Chapter 7 - article 20, page 16 Comments: Since the 2013 budgetary year, implements the new finance regime and its presentation requirements of the State budget by program. See general provisions - article 2 (2) 007. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present expenditure estimates for a multi-year period (at least two-years beyond the budget year) by any of the three expenditure classifications (by administrative, economic, or functional classification)? A., multi-year expenditure estimates are presented by all three expenditure classifications (by administrative, economic, and functional classification). B., multi-year expenditure estimates are presented by two of the three expenditure classifications. C., multi-year expenditure estimates are presented by only one of the three expenditure classifications. D., multi-year expenditure estimates are not presented by any expenditure classification.

C. Score: 33 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Reports, 8.3 budgetary projections in 2015 and 2016, pages 103-105 Comments: The report on the financial, economic, social and cultural situation presents the expenditures by economic type and in an aggregated manner for the 2015 and 2016 budgetary years. Opinion:, I agree with the score but wish to add a comment, clarification, or suggest another reference. Comments: I agree 008. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present expenditure estimates for a multi-year period (at least two-years beyond the budget year) by program? A., multi-year estimates for programs accounting for all expenditures are presented. B., multi-year estimates for programs accounting for at least two-thirds of, but not all, expenditures are presented. C., multi-year estimates for programs accounting for less than two-thirds of expenditures are presented. D., multi-year estimates for programs are not presented. D. Sources: 2014 finance bill Opinion:, I agree with the score but wish to add a comment, clarification, or suggest another reference.

Comments: We actually have the multi-year aspect is not reflected in the budgetary documents, since the Commitment Authorizations are equal to the annual Payment Appropriations. 009. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present the individual sources of tax revenue (such as income tax or VAT) for the budget year? A., individual sources of tax revenue accounting for all tax revenue are presented. B., individual sources of tax revenue accounting for at least two-thirds of, but not all, tax revenues are presented. C., individual sources of tax revenue accounting for less than two-thirds of all tax revenues are presented. D., individual sources of tax revenue are not presented. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Chapter 4 - article 5, page 11 010. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present the individual sources of nontax revenue (such as grants, property income, and sales of government-produced goods and services) for the budget year? A., individual sources of non-tax revenue accounting for all non-tax revenue are presented. B., individual sources of non-tax revenue accounting for at least two-thirds of, but not all, non-tax revenues are presented.

C., individual sources of non-tax revenue accounting for less than two-thirds of all non-tax revenues are presented. D., individual sources of non-tax revenue are not presented. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Chapter 4 - article 5, page 11 011. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present revenue estimates by category (such as tax and non-tax) for a multi-year period (at least twoyears beyond the budget year)? A., multi-year estimates of revenue are presented by category. B., multi-year estimates of revenue are not presented by category. C. t applicable/other (please A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - SFESC report, page 105 Comments: The budgetary projections of revenues by categories are presented for 2015 and 2016

012. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present estimates for individual sources of revenue presented for a multi-year period (at least two-years beyond the budget year)? A., multi-year estimates for individual sources of revenue accounting for all revenue are presented. B., multi-year estimates for individual sources of revenue accounting for at least two-thirds of, but not all, revenue are presented. C., multi-year estimates for individual sources of revenue accounting for less than two-thirds of revenue are presented. D., multi-year estimates for individual sources of revenue are not presented. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - SFESC report, page 105 013. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present three estimates related to government borrowing and debt: the amount of net new borrowing required during the budget year; the total debt outstanding at the end of the budget year; and interest payments on the debt for the budget year? A., all three estimates related to government borrowing and debt are presented. B., two of the three estimates related to government borrowing and debt are presented.

C., one of the three estimates related to government borrowing and debt are presented. D., none of the three estimates related to government borrowing and debt are not presented. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Chapter 7 - article 6, page 14; 2014 finance bill - Public indebtedness strategy, page 27. Opinion:, I agree with the score but wish to add a comment, clarification, or suggest another reference. Comments: "The researcher s sources are correct, but instead of chapter 7, it should be chapter 5 from the 2014 finance bill. For the second source, the chapter on 2014 indebtedness strategies refers to pages 24 to 33 and very clearly explains the estimations and indebtedness needs. 014. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present information related to the composition of the total debt outstanding at the end of the budget year? (The core information must include interest rates on the debt instruments; maturity profile of the debt; and whether it is domestic or external debt.) A., information beyond the core elements is presented for the composition of the total debt outstanding. B., the core information is presented for the composition of the total debt outstanding. C., information is presented, but it excludes some core elements. D., information related to composition of total debt outstanding is not presented. A.

Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Public indebtedness strategy, Chapter 4, pages 24-32 Comments: Information on debt is not only limited to the data, but it is enriched by a sensitive analysis of the debt. Opinion:, I agree with the score but wish to add a comment, clarification, or suggest another reference. Comments: As the researcher says, the State indebtedness strategy is genuinely supported by a very clear analysis, support by forecasts presented in the dashboard with graphs indicating probable progress. 015. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present information on the macroeconomic forecast upon which the budget projections are based? (The core information must include a discussion of the economic outlook with estimates of nominal GDP level, inflation rate, real GDP growth, and interest rates.) A., information beyond the core elements is presented for the macroeconomic forecast. B., the core information is presented for the macroeconomic forecast. C., information is presented, but it excludes some core elements. D., information related to the macroeconomic forecast is not presented. B. Score: 67 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Report on the situation and economic, social and financial perspectives of the nation - 2013, Chapter 8, paragraph 8.2.1. page 99 Opinion:, I do not agree with the score. Suggested Answer: a.

Comments: The researcher presents the correct source which, however, indicates some information that goes beyond the key elements of the question, in particular the price of oil and the exchange rate. RESEARCHER'S RESPONSE information beyond the core IBP COMMENT information beyond the core 016. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation show the impact of different macroeconomic assumptions (i.e., sensitivity analysis) on the budget? (The core information must include estimates of the impact on expenditures, revenue, and debt of different assumptions for the inflation rate, real GDP growth, and interest rates.) A., information beyond the core elements is presented to show the impact of different macroeconomic assumptions on the budget. B., the core information is presented to show the impact of different macroeconomic assumptions on the budget. C., information is presented, but it excludes some core elements. D., information related to different macroeconomic assumptions is not presented. D. Sources: sensitivity analysis is carried out. Opinion:, I do not agree with the score. Suggested Answer: a. Comments: Source: 2014 finance bill - Report on the situation and economic, social and financial perspectives

of the nation Pages 22 and 23 justify response a IBP COMMENT The information suggested by the peer reviewer is not a sensitivity analysis 017. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present information for at least the budget year that shows how new policy proposals, as distinct from existing policies, affect expenditures? A., estimates that show how all new policy proposals affect expenditures are presented, along with a narrative discussion. B., estimates that show how all new policy proposals affect expenditures are presented, but a narrative discussion is not included. C., information that shows how some but not all new policy proposals affect expenditure is presented. D., information that shows how new policy proposals affect expenditure is not presented. D. Sources: 2014 finance bill Opinion:, I do not agree with the score. Suggested Answer: a. Comments: The newsletter on the preparation of the State budget for the 2014 financial year (July 2013) brings elements which show how the new policies impact expenditures, and gives guidelines on the implementation of the chosen programs. IBP COMMENT The document cited is not the draft budget

018. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present information for at least the budget year that shows how new policy proposals, as distinct from existing policies, affect revenues? A., estimates that show how all new policy proposals affect revenues are presented, along with a narrative discussion. B., estimates that show how all new policy proposals affect revenues are presented, but a narrative discussion is not included. C., information that shows how some but not all new policy proposals affect revenues are presented. D., information that shows how new policy proposals affect revenues is not presented. D. Sources: 2014 finance bill Opinion:, I do not agree with the score. Suggested Answer: a. Comments: The newsletter on the preparation of the State budget for the 2014 financial year brings elements which show how the new policies impact revenue, and gives guidelines on the financing of the chosen programs. 019. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present expenditures for the year preceding the budget year (BY-1) by any of the three expenditure classifications (by administrative, economic, or functional classification)? A., expenditure estimates for BY-1 are presented by all three expenditure classifications (by administrative,

economic, and functional classification). B., expenditure estimates for BY-1 are presented by two of the three expenditure classifications. C., expenditure estimates for BY-1 are presented by only one of the three expenditure classifications. D., expenditure estimates for BY-1 are not presented by any expenditure classification. C. Score: 33 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Chapter 5 - Article 6, pages 12-13 PLF 2014 - Chapitre 5 - Article 6, PP.12-13 Opinion:, I do not agree with the score. Suggested Answer: c. Comments: "2014 finance bill - Chapter 5 - Article 6, pages 12-13 The state budget proposal presents the expenditures of the prior year following an administrative classification." RESEARCHER'S RESPONSE I agree 020. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present expenditures for individual programs for the year preceding the budget year (BY-1)? A., programs accounting for all expenditures are presented for BY-1. B., programs accounting for at least two-thirds of, but not all, expenditures are presented for BY-1. C., programs accounting for less than two-thirds of expenditures are presented for BY-1. D., expenditures are not presented by program for BY-1.

D. Sources: Expenditures for the 2013 budgetary year are not presented by individual program. Comments: 2013 was an experimental year for the framing and implementation of the program budget. We understand that in this context, the portrayal of the execution of the expenses was not presented in the form of the program. 021. In the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation, have expenditure estimates of the year prior to the budget year (BY-1) been updated from the original enacted levels to reflect actual expenditures? A., expenditure estimates for BY-1 have been updated from the original enacted levels. B., expenditure estimates for BY-1 have not been updated from the original enacted levels. C. t applicable/other (please comment). A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Revenue forecasts, pages 14-15

022. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present estimates of expenditure for more than one year prior to the budget year (that is, BY-2 and prior years) by any of the three expenditure classifications (by administrative, economic, or functional classification)? A., expenditure estimates for BY-2 and prior years are presented by all three expenditure classifications (by administrative, economic, and functional classification). B., expenditure estimates for BY-2 and prior years are presented by two of the three expenditure classifications. C., expenditure estimates for BY-2 and prior years are presented by only one of the three expenditure classifications. D., expenditure estimates for BY-2 and prior years are not presented by any expenditure classification. C. Score: 33 Sources: 2014 finance bill - pages 14-15 Opinion:, I do not agree with the score. Suggested Answer: c. Comments: 2014 finance bill - Revenue forecasts, pages 14-15 The source cited by the researcher indicates an economic classification of expenditures from prior years. We also think that response c is more appropriate. RESEARCHER'S RESPONSE Following the wording of the question, we will respond with an "a" - considering the methodological response requirements, the score "c" is adapted to this question. We modify the response by accepting "c" as the reviewer indicated.

023. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present expenditures for individual programs for more than one year preceding the budget year (that is, BY-2 and prior years)? A., programs accounting for all expenditures are presented for BY-2 and prior years. B., programs accounting for at least two-thirds of, but not all, expenditures are presented for BY-2 and prior years. C., programs accounting for less than two-thirds of expenditures are presented for BY-2 and prior years. D., expenditures are not presented by program for BY-2 and prior years. E. t applicable/other (please D. Sources: Before the 2013 financial year, the budget of the Republic of was not presented in the program budget mode. Comments: Before the 2013 financial year, the budget of the Republic of was not presented in the program budget mode. 024. In the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation, what is the most recent year presented for which all expenditures reflect actual outcomes? A. Two years prior to the budget year (BY-2). B. Three years prior to the budget year (BY-3). C. Before BY-3.

D. actual data for all expenditures are presented in the budget or supporting budget documentation. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Expenditure Forecast and Spending, pages 14-15 Comments: Parliament first examines and votes on the finance settlement act (Y-2) before ruling on the executive finance bill for the coming financial year. 025. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present revenue by category (such as tax and non-tax) for the year preceding the budget year (BY-1)? A., revenue estimates for BY-1 are presented by category. B., revenue estimates for BY-1 are not presented by category. C. t applicable/other (please comment). A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Revenue Forecasts, pages 2-3

026. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present individual sources of revenue for the year preceding the budget year (BY-1)? A., individual sources of revenue accounting for all revenue are presented for BY-1. B., individual sources of revenue accounting for at least two-thirds of, but not all, revenue for BY-1 are presented. C., individual sources of revenue accounting for less than two-thirds of all revenues for BY-1 are presented. D., individual sources of revenue are not presented for BY-1. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Revenue Forecasts, pages 2-3 027. In the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation, have the original estimates of revenue for the year prior to the budget year (BY-1) been updated to reflect actual revenue collections? A., revenue estimates for BY-1 have been updated from the original enacted levels. B., revenue estimates for BY-1 have not been updated from the original enacted levels. C. t applicable/other (please comment). A.

Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Revenue Forecasts, pages 2-3 028. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present revenue estimates by category (such as tax and non-tax) for more than one year prior to the budget year (that is, BY-2 and prior years)? A., revenue estimates for BY-2 and prior years are presented by category. B., revenue estimates for BY-2 and prior years are not presented by category. C. t applicable/other (please comment). A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Revenue Forecasts, pages 2-3 029. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present individual sources of revenue for more than one year prior to the budget year (that is, BY-2 and prior years)? A., individual sources of revenue accounting for all revenue are presented for BY-2 and prior years. B., individual sources of revenue accounting for at least two-thirds of, but not all, revenue are presented for BY-2 and prior years.

C., individual sources of revenue accounting for less than two-thirds of all revenues are presented for BY-2 and prior years. D., individual sources of revenue are not presented for BY-2 and prior years. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Revenue Forecasts, pages 2-3 030. In the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation, what is the most recent year presented for which all revenues reflect actual outcomes? A. Two years prior to the budget year (BY-2). B. Three years prior to the budget year (BY-3). C. Before BY-3. D. actual data for all revenues are presented in the budget or supporting budget documentation. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Revenue Forecasts, pages 2-3

031. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present information on government borrowing and debt, including its composition, for the year proceeding the budget year (BY-1)? (The core information must include the total debt outstanding at the end of BY-1; the amount of net new borrowing required during BY-1; interest payments on the debt; interest rates on the debt instruments; maturity profile of the debt; and whether it is domestic or external debt.) A., information beyond the core elements is presented for government debt. B., the core information is presented for government debt. C., information is presented, but it excludes some core elements. D., information related to government debt is not presented. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Public indebtedness strategy, Chapter 4, pages 18-23 032. In the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation, what is the most recent year presented for which the debt figures reflect actual outcomes? A. Two years prior to the budget year (BY-2). B. Three years prior to the budget year (BY-3).

C. Before BY-3. D. actual data for government debt are presented in the budget or supporting budget documentation. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Public indebtedness strategy, pages 18-19 033. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present information on extrabudgetary funds for at least the budget year? (The core information must include a statement of purpose or policy rationale for the extra-budgetary fund; and complete income, expenditure, and financing data on a gross basis.) A., information beyond the core elements is presented for all extra-budgetary funds. B., the core information is presented for all extra-budgetary funds. C., information is presented, but it excludes some core elements or some extra-budgetary funds. D., information related to extra-budgetary funds is not presented. A. Score: 100 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Special accounts, pages 5-21

034. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present central government finances (both budgetary and extra-budgetary) on a consolidated basis for at least the budget year? A., central government finances are presented on a consolidated basis. B., central government finances are not presented on a consolidated basis. C. t applicable/other (please comment). A. Score: 100 Sources: this information is not available in the finance bill and especially not in the supporting documents. Opinion:, I do not agree with the score. Suggested Answer: a. Comments: "2014 finance bill - Article 21 and 22, Pages 31-32 These articles show the consolidated well in budget proposal. RESEARCHER'S RESPONSE Indeed, we accept the reviewer s score based on the cited source. The response is "a." 035. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present estimates of intergovernmental transfers for at least the budget year? A., estimates of all intergovernmental transfers are presented, along with a narrative discussion. B., estimates of all intergovernmental transfers are presented, but a narrative discussion is not included.

C., estimates of some but not all intergovernmental transfers are presented. D., estimates of intergovernmental transfers are not presented. C. Score: 33 Sources: 2014 Finance bill - State financial support to enterprises - Table of subsidies granted to Public Administrative Establishments pages 31-41. Comments: All transfers are not presented Opinion:, I do not agree with the score. Suggested Answer: c. Comments: Maybe the researcher wanted to show that all the transfers related to decentralization are not included in it. Nevertheless, I note that the urban communities, which are territorial units of a specific type are listed in the beneficiaries of these transfers. 036. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present alternative displays of expenditures (such as by gender, by age, by income, or by region) to illustrate the financial impact of policies on different groups of citizens, for at least the budget year? A., at least three alternative displays of expenditures are presented to illustrate the financial impact of policies on different groups of citizens. B., two alternative displays of expenditures are presented to illustrate the financial impact of policies on different groups of citizens. C., one alternative display of expenditures is presented to illustrate the financial impact of policies on different groups of citizens. D., alternative displays of expenditures are not presented to illustrate the financial impact of policies on different groups of citizens.

D. Sources: information of this type is produced in either the executive budget proposal nor in any other supporting document. 037. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present estimates of transfers to public corporations for at least the budget year? A., estimates of all transfers to public corporations are presented, along with a narrative discussion. B., estimates of all transfers to public corporations are presented, but a narrative discussion is not included. C., estimates of some but not all transfers to public corporations are presented. D., estimates of transfers to public corporations are not presented. B. Score: 67 Sources: 2014 Finance bill - State financial support to enterprises, pages 31-41. Opinion:, I agree with the score but wish to add a comment, clarification, or suggest another reference. Comments: "2014 Finance bill - State financial support to enterprises, pages 3-4. This information is found in pages 3 and 4 of the document mentioned by the researcher."

038. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present information on quasi-fiscal activities for at least the budget year? (The core information must include a statement of purpose or policy rationale for the quasi-fiscal activity and the intended beneficiaries.) A., information beyond the core elements is presented for all quasi-fiscal activities. B., the core information is presented for all quasi-fiscal activities. C., information is presented, but it excludes some core elements or some quasi-fiscal activities. D., information related to quasi-fiscal activities is not presented. D. Sources: Quasi-fiscal activities are not presented in the supporting documents of the government s budget proposal. 039. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present information on financial assets held by the government? (The core information must include a listing of the assets, and an estimate of their value.) A., information beyond the core elements is presented for all financial assets. B., the core information is presented for all financial assets. C., information is presented, but it excludes some core elements or some financial assets. D., information related to financial assets is not presented.

C. Score: 33 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Reports, Chapter 5 - Financing of the economy, pages 61-63 040. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present information on nonfinancial assets held by the government? (The core information must include a listing of the assets by category.) A., information beyond the core elements is presented for all nonfinancial assets. B., the core information is presented for all nonfinancial assets. C., information is presented, but it excludes some nonfinancial assets. D., information related to nonfinancial assets is not presented. D. Sources: ne of the budget proposal s supporting documents provides information on the State s nonfinancial assets.

041. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present estimates of expenditure arrears for at least the budget year? A., estimates of all expenditure arrears are presented, along with a narrative discussion. B., estimates of all expenditure arrears are presented, but a narrative discussion is not included. C., estimates of some but not all expenditure arrears are presented. D., estimates of expenditure arrears are not presented. B. Score: 67 Sources: 2014 finance bill - Reports, Chapter 8, paragraph 8.3, page 105 042. Does the Executive s Budget Proposal or any supporting budget documentation present information on contingent liabilities, such as government loan guarantees or insurance programs? (The core information must include a statement of purpose or policy rationale for each contingent liability; the new guarantees or insurance commitments proposed for the budget year; and the total amount of outstanding guarantees or insurance commitments (the gross exposure) at the end of the budget year.) A., information beyond the core elements is presented for all contingent liabilities. B., the core information is presented for all contingent liabilities. C., information is presented, but it excludes some core elements or some contingent liabilities.