Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has stated that his role is not about winning “popularity contests.” Speaking on The Lens@177, Prof Prasad emphasized that finance ministers are seldom popular, even in prosperous times.
“It’s not about me failing as Minister of Finance; it’s about not failing the country,” said Prof Prasad. “This is what I set out to do, what the honourable Prime Minister set out to do, and what we intend to achieve as a Coalition Government.”
Prof Prasad underlined his duty to ensure the government’s actions are in the best interest of the people, particularly those with low incomes and the vulnerable. He asserted, “I am working towards benefitting our people, and that remains my focus during my term as Minister of Finance.”
He outlined an economic model designed to aid future governments and those who succeed him in advancing the country’s welfare. This includes strategies for raising revenue. “Raising revenue is sometimes beneficial as it enables the government to provide necessary support and funding to the most vulnerable and low-income populations,” he explained.
According to Prof Prasad, the economic model he has introduced since the last budget, and reinforced in the current budget, will have long-term benefits. “Even if we are not re-elected, any succeeding government will recognize the logic and advantages of our recent and forthcoming budgets.”
He concluded that by the end of his term, the country would be on a significantly stronger footing for the next administration. “That’s how we are managing the economy,” he said.