Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad criticized Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu for his comparison of debt per capita, stating it was misleading. Speaking in Parliament, Prasad explained that the Coalition Government inherited a total debt of approximately $9.5 billion at the end of 2022. He noted that dividing this total debt by the population results in a debt per capita of $10,700.
By the end of the budget period in July 2025, the total debt is projected to reach $10.9 billion, or $12,300 per person. Therefore, over three years, the Coalition Government would have increased the debt per capita by about $1,600 per person.
Deputy Prime Minister Prasad also pointed out that the previous government inherited a total debt of $2.9 billion in 2006, which was $3,400 per person at that time. During their tenure, the debt level rose to $9.5 billion, translating to $10,700 per person. This marked an addition of $6.6 billion or $7,300 per capita.
Prasad concluded by emphasizing that by July 2025, the new government would have added $1,600 in additional debt per person, compared to the $7,300 increase per person under the previous administration.