Advocates for multinational federalism that accommodates diversity and self-administration, rejecting a return to a unitary state and viewing the creation of new regions as democratic demands that strengthen the federal system.
2 cited moments
“Advocates for a multinational federal system to use diversity as a foundation for unity.”
Federalism, Ethnic Identity and National Unity Debate
“An increase in the number of regions is seen as strengthening the federal system, similar to India and Nigeria.”
Federalism and the Constitution Debate
Constitutional Amendment
Maintains that any constitutional amendments, including those regarding land tenure or language, must not be dictated unilaterally by the ruling party but decided by the public through the inclusive National Dialogue Commission.
3 cited moments
“Has no immediate plans for constitutional change but will present ideas to the National Dialogue Commission.”
Federalism, Ethnic Identity and National Unity Debate
“Constitutional amendments must be done through an inclusive and participatory national dialogue.”
Federalism and the Constitution Debate
“Constitutional amendments regarding land should be handled through the National Dialogue Commission with public consultation.”
Rural Land Tenure Administration and Use Debate
Economic Policy and Ideology
Guided by the pragmatic 'Medemer' (Synergy) philosophy rather than rigid ideology, implementing a multi-sectoral Homegrown Economic Reform. Supports floating the Birr to find its true market value and ensuring the independence of the National Bank.
3 cited moments
“'Medemer' is not a rigid ideology but a pragmatic approach that takes solutions from both East and West to solve Ethiopia's specific problems.”
Economic Policy Debate
“Floating the currency allowed it to find its true market value.”
Economic Policy Alternatives of Political Parties Debate
“Recent proclamations have established an independent monetary policy committee to guide the National Bank.”
Economic Policy Alternatives of Political Parties Debate
Peace, Security, and Foreign Affairs
Reforming defense forces to be non-partisan while limiting regional forces to regular police. Prioritizes peaceful negotiations with armed groups internally, and seeks Red Sea access through peaceful, diplomatic means externally.
3 cited moments
“Limit regional forces to regular police as permitted by the constitution, correcting unnecessary regional armaments.”
Peace, Security and National Safety Debate
“The door remains open for peaceful negotiations with armed groups; law enforcement does not end the possibility of dialogue.”
Peace, Security and National Safety Debate
“Lacking a seaport reduces a country's economic growth by 20%, and Ethiopia aims to secure one through peaceful, diplomatic, and legal means.”
Foreign Affairs and National Security Debate
Agriculture and Land Tenure
Aims for food security and agricultural transformation by subsidizing inputs, building domestic fertilizer plants, and promoting mechanization. Supports the current land framework allowing land use rights as collateral.
3 cited moments
“Building a domestic fertilizer plant to produce 3 million metric tons of Urea annually, and plans to do the same for Phosphate and Potash.”
Agriculture and Rural Development Policy Debate
“Allowed over 55 types of agricultural machinery to be imported tax-free.”
Agriculture and Rural Development Policy Debate
“The proclamation has successfully expanded financial access and credit for farmers.”
Rural Land Tenure Administration and Use Debate
Social Inclusion and Vulnerable Groups
Promotes inclusivity by achieving 51% female cabinet representation, mandating a 2% candidate quota for persons with disabilities, and finalizing a comprehensive disability law.
3 cited moments
“Achieved 51% female representation in the cabinet (12 out of 23 members).”
Inclusivity for Women, Persons with Disabilities, and Vulnerable Groups Debate
“Mandated a 2% quota for PWD candidates in the 7th national election.”
Inclusivity for Women, Persons with Disabilities, and Vulnerable Groups Debate
“Finalized the preparation of a comprehensive disability policy/law and will implement it shortly after the election.”
Inclusivity for Women, Persons with Disabilities, and Vulnerable Groups Debate
Education Policy
Implemented a new education roadmap and curriculum that includes moral education and enforces international assessment standards (50% passing mark) to improve quality, while providing housing and allowances to motivate teachers.
3 cited moments
“The passing mark was set to the international standard of 50%.”
Education Policy Debate
“The curriculum was revised to include moral and civic education.”
Education Policy Debate
“The government has provided condominium housing for over 6,000 teachers.”
Education Policy Debate
Health Policy
Significantly increased the national health budget, expanded social health insurance, boosted local medicine production capacity, and pledged to hire all unemployed doctors within five years.
3 cited moments
“Increased the national health budget from 59 billion to 143 billion birr.”
Health Policy Debate
“Increased local medicine production capacity from 8% to over 40%.”
Health Policy Debate
“Pledges to hire all currently unemployed doctors in the next five years.”
Health Policy Debate
Civil Service Reform
Reforming the civil service through merit-based recruitment that considers diversity, implementing digital service centers to prevent corruption, and providing massive salary increases.
2 cited moments
“Civil service will be organized based on merit while considering diversity (ethnicity, language, gender, disability).”
Civil Service Reform and Contested Issues in Ethiopia Debate
“Increased the minimum wage from 1000 to 6000 birr and degree holders' starting salary from 5358 to 11500 birr.”
Civil Service Reform and Contested Issues in Ethiopia Debate
Language, Culture, and Tourism
Introduced a comprehensive language policy proposing five working languages, protects cultural heritage while developing new tourism infrastructure, and aims to make Ethiopia Africa's leading tourist center.
3 cited moments
“We introduced Ethiopia's first comprehensive language policy in 2012 EC, which proposes five working languages and further studies.”
Language and Cultural Policy Debate
“Stated their philosophy is 'protecting the heritage of the past and building the heritage of our era.'”
Tourism Policy Debate
“Pledged to increase the number of tourists to 7 million in the next five years.”
