UDP Parliamentarians Boycott House Sitting in Protest

Opposition lawmakers from the United Democratic Party walked out of Parliament today, boycotting the House sitting in protest of the government’s BTL–SMART acquisition. The UDP says this is their third boycott, calling the deal reckless and corrupt, and accusing the government of turning Parliament into a rubber stamp for a move that could leave Belizeans on the hook for tens of millions of dollars in debt. The party insists the boycott is about principle, not politics. They say key questions remain unanswered, from the lack of an independent valuation and audited financials to unclear liabilities and what happens to workers who could lose their jobs. The UDP argues the fallout goes beyond politics, pointing to concerns raised by unions, businesses, civil society, and citizens who have taken to the streets. They argue that when dissenting voices are shut out, Parliament stops holding government accountable. The Opposition says it will continue to resist the deal, framing the fight as one to protect public money and Belize’s economic future.