Bhutan Opposition Urges Finance Minister’s Resignation, Demands Accountability After ESP Loan Corruption Findings

By the Editor

The Bhutanese Opposition Party has called for the resignation of the Finance Minister following the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) findings on the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) loans, saying that genuine political and moral accountability is vital to restore public trust and protect Bhutan’s longstanding reputation for transparency and good governance.

In a statement issued on 30 December 2025, the Opposition acknowledged the ACC’s investigation but stressed that the matter goes beyond technical lapses. The Party expressed concern that the findings point towards deeper issues of nepotism, favouritism and patronage, warning that such practices risk weakening public confidence and undermining the core objectives of the ESP.

The ESP was launched as a critical national initiative to support struggling businesses, stimulate economic growth and aid economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Opposition has argued that when such a programme is compromised, the consequences extend far beyond financial losses, affecting institutional credibility and the trust of the Bhutanese people.

From the editor’s perspective, the Opposition’s demands reflect growing public concern and expectations of firm leadership action. Among the key calls made by the Party are:

• Full recovery of misallocated ESP funds, including applicable interest and penalties in accordance with the law.
• Clear leadership accountability, particularly for those responsible within the ESP Steering Committee, emphasising that responsibility must be upheld at the highest level.
• A comprehensive review of other ESP loans by the Royal Monetary Authority to ensure fairness, compliance and integrity in all disbursements.
• Public disclosure of undisclosed partners referenced in the ACC findings, to guarantee transparency and reassure citizens that politically exposed individuals did not benefit unfairly.
• Institutional reforms and corrective measures to prevent similar lapses in future national programmes.

The Opposition believes that the Finance Minister’s resignation would send a strong message of responsibility, integrity and respect for public trust, signalling that leadership remains accountable to the nation and its people.

As an editorial observation, the situation represents a defining moment for governance in Bhutan. How the government responds will not only address immediate public concerns but also shape confidence in national institutions going forward.

Despite the seriousness of the issue, the Opposition expressed confidence that the government will act sincerely and decisively in the national interest. The Party reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public resources, promoting transparency and ensuring that democratic accountability remains at the heart of governance in Bhutan.