Opposition Member of Parliament Parveen Kumar has vocally condemned the 2025-2026 budget, referring to it as reckless and a mere tactic to entice voters in an election year. He described it as a “lollipop budget” that prioritizes short-term electoral gains over the significant long-term issues facing the country.
Kumar emphasized the continuing struggles of ordinary families who are forced to make difficult choices between essential items like food and medicine, alongside rising butter prices and a lack of fuel relief. He argued that despite government claims of addressing the cost of living crisis, the reality on the ground tells a different story. “They say they are tackling the cost of living, but families still choose between food and medicine. This isn’t governance,” he stated.
Kumar called for more robust support for farmers, particularly urging the government to guarantee a minimum sugarcane price to foster investment and provide farmers with security in their work. He noted that a guaranteed price would help farmers plan better, creating a more stable agricultural environment.
His remarks align with broader criticisms from other opposition figures who previously voiced similar concerns about the budget’s insufficient consideration of critical issues such as public health funding and economic stability. For instance, previous articles have highlighted how other opposition MPs, like Praveen Bala and Inia Seruiratu, have expressed frustration over the government’s approach to financial management, emphasizing the lack of long-term vision and immediate relief measures, particularly amid rising living costs.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad is expected to respond to these criticisms in the upcoming budget debate, where he will likely defend the budget’s objectives as focused on sustainable development and investment in crucial sectors to secure a brighter future for all Fijians.
The ongoing debate surrounding the budget underscores the critical nature of public engagement and accountability in governance, illustrating the need for policies that genuinely resonate with the voices of the populace. Constructive discussions like these often pave the way for potential improvements and inspire hope for a budget that prioritizes the needs of everyday Fijians.
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