Opposition Member of Parliament, Ketan Lal, has voiced strong criticism of the 2024-2025 National Budget, describing it as a “runaway bulldozer” that threatens Fiji’s economic stability and future.
During the Budget debate in Parliament, Lal accused Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, of poor economic management. Lal argued that the Budget signals the Government’s reluctance to confront the real needs of the Fijian people, which he labeled a betrayal of trust and a severe neglect of duty.
“The Budget is not just flawed; it highlights their failures and inability to lead our country wisely. The Government has put political games and incompetence above responsible financial management,” stated Lal.
Lal further asserted that the Budget disregards the voices and needs of the Fijian people, stating that it has seen negligible contribution from the general population. He criticized the Government for operating in isolation from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
He added that Prof Prasad has failed to engage with the public, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction with his performance. Lal pointed out that the Budget does not effectively address the high cost of living and instead burdens Fijians by maintaining an exacerbated 15 percent VAT.
“I urge the Prime Minister to reconsider his stance on the 15 percent VAT. Reverting these taxes would ease the burden on countless families,” Lal appealed.
He warned that the continuation of high taxes would have a devastating ripple effect on consumers, as higher taxes on businesses lead to higher prices for goods and services. This, according to Lal, would make it increasingly difficult for the average Fijian to make ends meet.