Budget Battles: Whose Interests Are Being Served?

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof Biman Prasad, recently responded to opposition members in Parliament who critiqued the 2025-2026 budget, dismissing their comments as a mere “lollipop and candy.” He proposed that the opposition MPs had ample time—two weeks—to evaluate the budget documents but produced little substantial criticism. Prasad questioned the seriousness of such remarks, suggesting they do not reflect the genuine interests of the people.

As Parliament enters the Committee of Supplies stage, aiming to investigate and approve budget allocations, the ongoing budget debate has revealed significant tensions between government and opposition perspectives. Critiques from opposition leaders, such as MP Parveen Kumar, labeled the budget as reckless and a tactic to woo voters ahead of elections, representing a broader discontent regarding the budget’s failure to address pressing issues like the rising cost of living, healthcare funding, and long-term economic stability.

Similar arguments were echoed by other opposition MPs, including Ketan Lal, who criticized the budget for prioritizing electoral gains over essential needs. He emphasized a disconnection between governmental strategies and the real concerns faced by ordinary citizens, who often choose between basic necessities like food and medicine.

Despite this backlash, Prof Prasad maintains that the government is committed to addressing the fundamental issues affecting Fijians, focusing on sustainable policies and public welfare. He has asserted that the budget’s intention is not to cater to electoral politics but rather to lay groundwork for future growth and secure economic stability.

This discourse highlights the critical nature of public and governmental dialogue, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement and accountability. As the situation unfolds, there remains hope for constructive revisions that might reflect the true needs of the populace in future budgetary considerations, paving the way for a more stable economic environment in Fiji.