The 2024-2025 Budget does not meet the expectations of ordinary Fijians for relief from the soaring cost of living, says Independent MP in Opposition Virendra Lal.
Contributing to the Budget debate in Parliament on Monday, he said the hardship and suffering of ordinary Fijians would continue unabated.
“The decision to increase the VAT to 15 per cent in the last budget is a burden to everyone and is especially affecting those who do not have a regular income,” Mr Lal said.
“There was a lot of expectation from the people that VAT will be reduced in this budget, but this did not happen.
“A lot of such people are suffering in silence and are not able to provide decent meals for their families.
“I strongly urge the Government to reconsider the VAT rate to address the cost-of-living issues.”
He said there was nothing new or exciting in the budget that an ordinary person would be proud of.
“The budget does not offer any promise to our citizens, instead asking them to pay a lot more for the same goods and services provided in the past.”
Mr Lal said the budget failed to adequately address ordinary people’s need for food access, health care, and workforce.
“There is nothing innovative in the budget to make the economy grow, instead choosing heavier borrowing to cushion the shortfalls.
“The Government’s reliance on increased taxes and external borrowing is nothing but a revenue-driven budget thrust upon the people of Fiji.”
Mr Lal, however, commended the Government for restoring the pension for FNPF pensioners.