Wong Dismisses Claims That 2025 Budget is Politically Motivated Ahead of Upcoming General Election

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has responded to speculation that the 2025 Budget may have been shaped by the upcoming General Election (GE). In a social media post on February 25, Wong assured Singaporeans that the generous Budget measures were the result of careful financial management, not political considerations.

While the GE is expected to take place later this year, Wong emphasised that the timing of the Budget was purely coincidental. He clarified, “If the Budget appears generous, it is because we have been responsible in managing our finances.”

The Prime Minister pointed out that the government’s priority had always been to alleviate the financial pressures faced by Singaporeans, a focus that would continue moving forward. As part of the 2025 Budget, the government will provide SG60 vouchers to Singaporeans: those aged 21 to 59 will receive $600 in July, while seniors 60 and above will get $800. Additionally, Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers worth $800 will be distributed to approximately 1.3 million households. The first $500 will be delivered in May 2025, with the remaining $300 following in January 2026.

A key topic raised by critics was the choice of vouchers over cash payments. Wong explained that while cash support measures are part of the Budget, the government opted for vouchers in the SG60 package due to the positive reception of similar CDC vouchers in the past. These vouchers, he explained, aim to ease cost-of-living pressures while also supporting local businesses and hawkers.

Wong also addressed concerns about the temporary nature of the Budget measures, particularly the SG60 initiative and cost-of-living support. He assured that these measures make up only around 5% of the total Budget. The majority of expenditure is dedicated to long-term, structural programmes designed to bolster Singapore’s economy and social safety net. This includes ongoing investments in SkillsFuture, long-term care for seniors, and measures to combat rising sea levels and expand clean energy access.

For those seeking to better understand the Budget’s offerings, Wong recommended using the Support For You Budget Calculator, a tool designed to help Singaporeans navigate the various measures included in the Budget.