WHEN A PORSCHE PRETENDS TO BE A PEUGEOT? The Case of VP Koung’s “Parked Car” Claim EXPOSED

In a damning expose following an in-depth investigation conducted by renowned Liberian activist and policy analyst, Martin K. N. Kollie, the Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Koung, has been caught in a web of contradictions after labeling himself as a "parked car" in the Boakai administration.

Using a five-point analytical framework dubbed “BEAPS”, which focuses on Budget, Election, Advisor & Assistant, Presiding Officer, and Succession, Kollie’s investigation dismantles the Vice President’s misleading narrative and exposes the harsh reality behind his so-called inactive role.

Vice President Koung’s claim of being a “parked car” is directly contradicted by his massive budgetary allocation.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, Koung’s office received US$3,781,803, while President Boakai’s office received only US$2,224,355. This means Koung was allocated 41.2% (US$1.55 million) more than the President.

In FY2025, the Vice President’s budget increased to US$3,909,152, while President Boakai’s office received US$3,442,406, giving Koung an additional US$466,746 (12%) more than the President.

In just 24 months, Koung’s office has received a jaw-dropping US$7.69 million in a country where civil servants are underpaid, hospitals lack medication, and over 90% of Liberians are unemployed.

How can a "parked car" receive more fuel (budget) than the "unparked speeding car" (that is, the President)?

Koung was not appointed; he was elected by 814,481 Liberians, the same number of voters that elected President Boakai.

The 1986 Liberian Constitution, under Article 43 and Article 51, gives the Vice President the same legitimacy and authority as the President. Therefore, by law and by mandate, Koung is not a “parked car.”

He was elected to co-pilot the affairs of the nation, not to sit idly in the passenger seat while blaming the President for his inaction.

The Constitution of Liberia does not assign a passive role to the Vice President.

Under Article 51, Koung is not only an advisor to the President but also an assistant in executing national policies.

The Constitution empowers him to lobby, negotiate policies, and influence decisions that benefit the Liberian people.

How can a Vice President with such power and influence claim to be “parked” when he holds the second-highest constitutional authority in the Executive Branch?

Koung is not just Vice President in the Executive; he is also the President of the Liberian Senate, the head of the legislative body.

He presides over Senate sessions, casts tie-breaking votes, and plays a critical role in shaping national policies and passing key legislation.

In fact, Vice President Koung is the only official who holds a powerful dual role in both the Executive and the Legislature.

How then can such an influential figure claim to be a "parked car"?

The Constitution positions the Vice President as the first in line to succeed the President in the event of incapacitation or resignation.

Neither the Speaker of the House nor the Senate Pro Tempore holds this power. Only the Vice President is constitutionally empowered to ascend to the Presidency.

How can someone who holds the most powerful political insurance policy in the country claim to be “parked”?

THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE: Koung is a "Porsche" Pretending to Be a "Peugeot"

THE REALITY: Liberia's "Porsche" Vice President Pretending to Be a "Parked Peugeot"

Vice President Koung’s US$7.69 million budget in two years exposes the lies behind his self-proclaimed “parked car” narrative.

No “parked car” receives this level of funding in the world’s 8th poorest country, where: Civil servants earn a non-living wage of US$150, Hospitals lack basic supplies and Public schools lack chairs and textbooks

Martin Kollie’s investigation concludes that Koung’s “parked car” narrative is not only misleading but a strategic attempt to shield himself from accountability while enjoying luxury and massive financial benefits.

Vice President Koung cannot continue to deceive Liberians by hiding behind the “parked car” excuse while enjoying a US$7.69 million budget in just two years.

This is broad-daylight deception that must be exposed and resisted.

As activist Martin K. N. Kollie perfectly puts it: "When a Porsche pretends to be a Peugeot, the people must rise to expose the lies."