Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
PM Abiy Defends GERD, Outlines Government Priorities in Address to Parliament
By Gebre Tatios
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives today, delivering a wide-ranging statement that covered the federal government’s performance over the current year and key priorities for the new fiscal year including the final stage of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
In a charged parliamentary session, Abiy reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to national development and regional cooperation, using the GERD as a symbol of both.
“To our neighbours downstream Egypt and Sudan our message is clear: the Renaissance Dam is not a threat, but a shared opportunity,” the Prime Minister said. “The energy and development it will generate stand to uplift not just Ethiopia, but the entire region.”
Abiy emphasized that not a single drop of water has been lost from Egypt’s Aswan Dam due to GERD operations, calling for renewed trust and regional collaboration.
A Nation at a Turning Point
The Prime Minister also discussed security challenges, economic pressures, displacement, and ongoing national dialogue efforts. Responding to direct questions from MPs, he defended his administration’s reform agenda while acknowledging the complex realities facing the nation.
“We are not claiming perfection,” Abiy noted, “but our direction is right, and our commitment is unshaken.”
Budget Approval Expected
The session coincides with the expected ratification of a 2-trillion Birr federal budget for the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year (2025/26). Approved by the Council of Ministers last month, the budget reflects increased investment in infrastructure, power generation, agriculture, and digital transformation.
Opposition MPs raised concerns about inflation, mismanagement, and regional inequalities, but the budget is widely expected to pass.
GERD Inauguration on the Horizon
Abiy’s remarks come just months ahead of the planned September 2025 inauguration of GERD, with eight turbines already operational and additional units in final testing. The event is expected to draw regional leaders, international observers, and global media a moment Ethiopia sees as the culmination of a decade-long struggle for sovereign development.
PM Abiy Ahmed said “When we inaugurate the GERD this September, our Egyptian friends are welcome to attend.”
Gebre Tatios is a journalist covering Horn African affairs, infrastructure, and regional diplomacy. He is based in Nairobi.
