PM Says Education and Health Budgets Will Not Be Reduced to Fund Defence Spending

(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet dismissed claims that the Royal Government plans to cut education and healthcare spending to increase defence funding, stressing that Cambodia has sufficient financial resources to strengthen national defence while continuing to invest in key social sectors. Speaking on Wednesday (Jun. 3) at the National Institute of Physical Education and Sport, the premier addressed concerns stemming from misinterpretations of a government circular on the preparation of the 2027–2029 Budget Strategic Plan and the draft Law on Financial Management for 2027. He underlined that education and healthcare remain top priorities for the Royal Government, even amid heightened border tensions and growing defence needs. The prime minister noted that Radio France Internationale’s report had inaccurately compared projected 2027 budget figures with finalized allocations for 2026. He explained that negotiations on the 2027 national budget will begin in July and conclude in September, when final spending allocations will be determined. He expressed confidence that funding for education and healthcare in 2027 will not decline and urged teachers, healthcare workers, and the public not to be misled by inaccurate information. “The social sector budget, including education and healthcare, is projected to increase by an average of 5.6 percent across 2027, 2028, and 2029,” Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said. “There is no basis for claims that the government is reducing these sectors to increase defence spending. Education and healthcare remain the highest priorities of the Royal Government led by the Cambodian People's Party.” He added that while defence spending will rise in 2027 to strengthen national defence capabilities, the increase will not come at the expense of social sector investments.=FRESH NEWS