Hamas Budget a Small Step Toward Transparency
The Hamas government’s publication of a budget is encouraging, yet only a small step on the road to achieving an acceptable level of transparency, competence and professionalism, writes Omar Shaban.
From movement to government
Until 2007, Hamas took care of its members — who at the time did not exceed 10,000 — and of its educational and social institutions with a budget that did not exceed $4-5 million per month. Since it rose to power in the Gaza Strip in June 2007 after infighting with the Palestinian Authority, however, its government has become theoretically responsible for more than a million and a half Palestinians with an annual budget that stands at $890 million for 2013.
It is assisted by dozens of international Western, Arab and Islamic institutions that carry out many relief and developmental projects in the Gaza Strip. It is also assisted by the Palestinian Authority, which still pays the salaries of some 55,000 of its employees in the Gaza Strip. Add to this the programs aimed at helping poor families and contributing to the supply of electricity and medical assistance.
The Hamas government has been trying hard to draft an annual budget. It submitted its first budget in 2009, which was valued at $428 million but described as being very primitive in comparison with other government budgets.
