The 2025-2026 National Budget in Fiji is being called to prioritize the escalating cost of living that continues to strain families across the nation. Seema Shandil, the Chief Executive of the Consumer Council of Fiji, emphasized the need for a budget that not only addresses immediate financial relief but also establishes long-term policies aimed at preventing future crises in living costs.
To help alleviate the financial strain on households, Shandil advocates for direct support measures, including tax reductions on essential goods, targeted subsidies, and expanded social welfare programs. She highlighted that increasing local production would decrease reliance on imports, thereby lowering prices and enhancing economic resilience. Without these crucial changes, many families face ongoing difficulties, threatening both economic stability and social well-being.
Shandil also supported the introduction of higher taxes on unhealthy food products to promote public health. These measures would not only deter the consumption of harmful products but also assist in reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
Her optimism about the upcoming budget is buoyed by assurances from the Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, that it will include positive measures for all Fijians without major disruptions. She expressed hope that the budget would contain initiatives aimed at easing living costs, bolstering household budgets, and fostering sustainable economic growth, leading to tangible benefits for families, workers, and businesses alike.
In light of ongoing discussions about the rising cost of living, various community members have echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the urgent need for governmental action. Citizens have increasingly aired their frustrations over stagnant wages and rising prices for essential goods, stressing the importance of effective government responses in the upcoming budget.
As Fiji navigates its economic challenges, there is a collective hope that through strategic policymaking and collaboration between the government and its citizens, meaningful changes can be achieved to improve living conditions and provide relief to struggling families. The anticipated budget presents an opportunity for proactive support that reflects the needs of everyday Fijians.
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