The Coalition Government seems to have “bitten off more than it could chew” when it assumed power. This assertion comes from the Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu, in response to the Government’s 2024-2025 National Budget address.
Seruiratu noted that governments often use the perceived weaknesses of previous administrations as an excuse for their inability to deliver services and fulfill promises to the people. “This budget was no exception, and this has to stop,” he said.
He emphasized that no government comes into power blindfolded. All governments assume control with a full understanding of the existing state of governance in the country. “A lot of their promises—especially prior to the election—were made with a full comprehension of these realities.”
Seruiratu criticized the budget address for presenting a list of issues under the title “what we have inherited.” He pointed out that the Minister of Finance had detailed several problems as uncomfortable facts that the Coalition Government had encountered, and he questioned whether the government was forced to confront these issues.
“No. In fact, they campaigned vigorously in the lead-up to the general election so they could get into power,” he said. “Now that they are at the helm, they have realized that they have bitten off more than they can chew. It does not work that way.”