Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Coalition Government has presented a “People’s Budget” for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, citing numerous wins and concessions for the people of Fiji. During his budget response, Mr. Rabuka highlighted that there had been significant calls for a budget dedicated to the people.
He emphasized that every page of the new budget focuses on the welfare, betterment of families, improving services, reducing poverty, providing prosperity opportunities, protecting the environment, and overcoming challenges. Mr. Rabuka acknowledged that while some of the language in the budget might be technical or difficult to follow, the intent remained clear—to improve life in Fiji so the people can achieve happiness and prosperity.
“The Government’s responsibility is to lay the platform and foundation for the people to build a healthy, happy, and prosperous life,” Mr. Rabuka stated. He referenced an old saying, “You can take horses to the water, but you cannot make them drink,” to emphasize that the government can provide the necessary tools, but it is up to the people to utilize them.
Mr. Rabuka shared an anecdote of a village in Nadroga that requested farming implements from the Alliance Government while transitioning from sugarcane to food crops. He recalled the late Dr. Kuruisaqila’s reminder to the villagers not to ask leaders to do the actual planting, clearing, and harvesting for them.
He also outlined various aspects of the national budget aimed at subsidizing costs for the public, pointing out that the bare figures often hide the larger human impact. For instance, the electricity subsidies initiative involves $10 million distributed among 55,000 households, averaging about $181.80 per household. Similarly, the free water project will benefit around 40,000 households.
He highlighted the significant increase in the Social Welfare budget to $200 million last year, which continues in the new budget to assist approximately 100,000 people. Mr. Rabuka mentioned several other financial support measures designed to ease daily living for those in need.
Furthermore, Mr. Rabuka noted the new National Development Plan (NDP), referred to as “the People’s Plan,” is set to chart Fiji’s course for the next five years. This plan, which was drafted with input from about 20,000 citizens, will complement future budgets.
National budget a ‘people’s budget,’ says PM