Wagle’s ‘audacious’ budget and controversy that followed

Waglé brought an expansionary budget amid a struggling economy but faced controversy for altering the finance bill after it was presented to Parliament.

For the post-September 8-9 government that got off the ground by breaking established, but questionable norms, the federal budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 probably sought to do the same on several fronts. Yet, allegations of wrongdoing by Finance Minister Swarnim Waglé have overshadowed the post-budget debate over its good and bad aspects. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah swept into power by crushing the traditional parties in the March 5 elections, with a promise to end corruption and ensure good governance. But the controversy surrounding Wagle’s budget leaves room for criticism.