Parliament has successfully passed the 2025-2026 National Budget, wrapping up a week of intense discussions. The voting concluded with 36 Members of Parliament in favor and 12 against, finalized just after 10 PM.
The budget lays out a total expenditure of $4.8 billion, against an estimated revenue of $3.9 billion, resulting in a calculated deficit of $886 million. During the session, Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko praised the collaborative efforts of the Members and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the budget process. He conveyed gratitude for their thoughtful engagement throughout the debates, highlighting that this procedure reflects the constitutional responsibility of Parliament.
Moreover, the Speaker extended congratulations to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, recognizing his successful navigation of the budget through Parliament.
This timely approval is significant as it sets the groundwork for financial planning and national development, aiming to address critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. The ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility is echoed in previous budget discussions, emphasizing the need for long-term economic stability and addressing pressing social issues.
As future fiscal discussions progress, there remains high optimism that these strategic financial plans will nurture resilience and growth for the Fijian economy, ensuring better public services and an improved quality of life for all citizens. The focus on inclusivity and public feedback in shaping the budget points towards a positive trend of collaborative governance in Fiji.
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