Singapore budget 2025: up to S$800 in vouchers to mark SG60, as country enters ‘new phase’
‘Functional’ budget in election year will see vouchers and rebates disbursed to help Singaporeans ease cost-of-living pressures
Singaporeans will receive several rounds of handouts to weather the rising costs of living and commemorate the country’s 60th year of independence, Lawrence Wong has announced in his maiden budget speech as prime minister with the city state nearing an election.
Analysts however say the measures are prudent and not the anticipated blockbuster in the run-up to the polls that must be called by November.
“Sixty years in Chinese culture marks a full cycle of life. So in this SG60 year, we will complete one cycle and will enter a new phase of nation-building. We must brace ourselves for new challenges in this next phase,” Wong said in parliament.
The budget speech on Tuesday is the last one this parliamentary term before the general election.
Political observer Eugene Tan called the budget “functional” and said he did not see it as a sure vote winner.
“It is, of course, a plus point for the PAP government even as Singaporeans have come to take it for granted that there will be budget goodies for them. The expectation is that the government shares the country’s wealth even more given the cost-of-living concerns,” he said, calling the measures “moderate”.
