Opposition Member of Parliament, Faiyaz Koya, asserts that the fiscal policies outlined in the 2024-2025 National Budget will exacerbate the gap between the wealthy and the poor in the country.
In his budget debate, Koya criticized the Government’s policies, stating that they are placing undue strain on ordinary Fijians. He highlighted that increases in fringe benefit tax and other indirect taxes will ultimately be passed on to consumers, making everyday goods and services more costly.
Koya questioned the necessity of the Budget, claiming it fails to adequately address the needs of low-income and working-class citizens, including teachers who feel undervalued and underpaid.
“There is a glaring lack of initiative to retain talent within the country or to invest in human capital. No significant projects or meaningful infrastructure development measures are in place, leaving many vulnerable communities without the support they urgently need,” Koya remarked.
He suggested that this might be a reason why the Minister for Finance avoided touring rural areas, anticipating negative reactions.
Koya further criticized the Budget for lacking transparency and accountability, alleging that financial benefits might be flowing to close associates and donors, a practice he deemed unacceptable. He demanded a clear and detailed account of how public funds are being utilized.
Additionally, Koya pointed out that the Budget neglects critical sectors essential for long-term economic growth. He noted that there is no substantial support for agriculture, a sector vital for food security and livelihoods for thousands of Fijians, and that the manufacturing sector, which has the potential to create jobs and reduce reliance on imports, is also overlooked.
“Government’s fiscal management is poor, falling short of tax collections and failing to diversify revenue sources,” stated Koya.