Addis Ababa, November 23, 2024 (FBC) – The Prosperity Party (PP) has reported significant advancements across multiple sectors that directly benefit Ethiopian citizens, reaffirming the nation’s interests over the past five years, according to members of the party’s Executive Committee.
The PP marked its fifth anniversary with a celebratory event at the Adwa Victory Memorial in Addis Ababa today under the theme “Excellence of Thought for Inclusive Prosperity”, which included a panel discussion showcasing the political, economic, social, and diplomatic accomplishments achieved during this period.
Tesfaye Beljige, a member of the Executive Committee and Deputy Chairman of the PP Coordinating Committee of Federal Institutions, noted that the establishment of the Prosperity Party was initiated in response to the divisions that plagued Ethiopian politics before the reform era. He highlighted the prior state of Ethiopian politics, characterized by division, tension, and a lack of respect for human and democratic rights.
Emphasizing the fundamental changes introduced by the national reform guided by the principle of Medemer, Tesfaye discussed various measures undertaken to steer the country away from its previous challenges. These included expanding the political space, ensuring media freedom, reforming legislation and institutions, and enhancing the democratic environment. He pointed out that initiatives like the formation of the National Dialogue Commission and the launch of transitional justice processes represented significant milestones in the reform journey.
“Our goal is to foster a generation that values the power of ideas,” Tesfaye stated, calling for collective efforts to ensure peace, promote an overarching narrative, and further broaden the political landscape.
Fellow Executive Committee member Ahmed Shide provided insight into the economic reforms implemented under the Prosperity Party. He recounted the pre-reform climate of unsustainable economic practices, high inflation, growing debt, and the marginalization of the private sector, all of which led the country to the brink of a financial crisis.
He credited the national reforms with rescuing Ethiopia from potential economic turmoil, marking the onset of a new economic chapter. Ahmed outlined the ten-year development plan aimed at alleviating debt concerns, controlling inflation, and expanding investments, noting that the country recently experienced a commendable 7.2 percent economic growth, driven by a diverse economy under PP leadership.
Chaltu Sani, another Executive Committee member, discussed advances within the social sector, emphasizing that inclusive social development remains a top priority for the government. She highlighted significant progress in education and healthcare, as well as initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment. Chaltu also pointed to reforms geared toward improving the quality and inclusiveness of education and infrastructure projects that align with social equity goals.
Mesganu Arga, also part of the Executive Committee, underscored Ethiopia’s diplomatic achievements, advocating for foreign policy that prioritizes national interests and dignity. He emphasized that the country’s foreign relations focus on strengthening domestic capabilities while enhancing regional cooperation and addressing growing challenges in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.
The panel’s discussions collectively underlined the Prosperity Party’s commitment to advancing national interests and improving the lives of Ethiopian citizens across diverse sectors.