2026 Outlook What's next for politics and the top stories of 2025

All eyes on Govt's plans for economy, meeting S'poreans' everyday concerns

- Tham Yuen-C Senior Political Correspondent and Chin Soo Fang Senior Correspondent

From an eventful general election that saw the PAP returned to power with a higher vote share, to the conclusion of a high-profile court case involving Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh, 2025 was a standout year for Singapore politics.

With tectonic shifts in the world of work and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, all eyes are on the Government's plans to refresh Singapore's longer-term economic strategy, while meeting Singaporeans' bread-and-butter concerns over jobs, housing and cost of living.

Here is what to expect in the political space in 2026, and a roundup of the biggest news in 2025.

S'PORE'S UPDATED ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT TAKES SHAPE

The five committees reviewing the country's economic strategy are expected to begin making policy recommendations soon, with the Government's annual Budget season around the corner in February.

Chaired by the newer political office-holders, the Economic Strategy Review (ESR) committees were formed in August to ensure that the city-state stays globally competitive in the long run, and to secure good opportunities for its businesses and workers.

The ESR reports to the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.

The committees' review covers five areas: global competitiveness; technology and innovation; entrepreneurship; human capital; and managing the impact of restructuring.

In November, Acting Transport Minister and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow said the five committees will release a mid-term update in tandem with Budget 2026, so that early proposals can be discussed and funding secured for them.

The ESR will issue a final report with its recommendations by mid-2026.