Senegal Hires Economist as New PM, Hopes Debt Will Get Confused and Leave

President replaces sacked PM with senior economist Lo, betting that a fresh pair of glasses on the debt spreadsheet will make the numbers look smaller.

Dakar, Senegal — In a move that economic experts are calling “aggressively optimistic,” Senegal’s president has named senior economist Lo as the new prime minister, just days after sacking his predecessor for failing to solve the country’s crippling debt crisis. The logic, according to presidential aides, is that swapping one person who reads spreadsheets for another person who also reads spreadsheets will finally make the debt go away.

“It’s like changing a flat tire by switching drivers,” explained government spokesperson Fatou Diallo during a press conference. “You don’t need a mechanic; you need someone who holds the steering wheel with more conviction. Lo has been analyzing GDP figures since 1998. He knows how to look at numbers with authority. The debt will see his résumé and think twice.”

Lo’s first official act as PM was to stare at the national debt ledger for three hours without blinking. Sources confirm he then muttered, “That’s a lot of zeros,” and requested a larger desk to accommodate the paperwork.

Meanwhile, the ruling party is in open crisis, with factions blaming each other for the country’s financial state. One faction reportedly suggested using the national treasury as a giant piggy bank that only opens on holidays. Another proposed renaming Senegal’s currency “Fake Money” to lower expectations.

Editor’s note: Our editor Kevin, who has been covering African economic news since 2012, asked us to clarify that he has personally seen eight prime ministers come and go in Senegal alone. He is currently lying face-down on his keyboard and refuses to move until the debt-to-GDP ratio drops below 60%. “I’m not crying,” he said from under a pile of IMF reports. “This is just sweat from all the optimism.”

Economist Lo could not be reached for comment, as he was reportedly locked in a room with a calculator and a bottle of antacids. A junior aide told reporters that Lo’s first cabinet meeting will consist of everyone holding hands and hoping the bond ratings improve.

“We are very confident,” added Diallo. “If this doesn’t work, there’s always the guy who fixes photocopiers. He seems smart.”

Ispirato da: Senegal appoints economist as new PM after Sonko's sacking

Categoria: Politica

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