In his current capacity, as an independent Member of Parliament, newly appointed Opposition Whip, Jone Usamate says he is prepared to support the Prime Minister, to support the government on issues brought up by the government that he believes are in the best interests of this country.
Usamate says he will fight against and oppose anything that he believes does not address our needs and is against the best interest of this country.
He says while these budgets have a lot of very good aspects, there are also many underlying weaknesses and for that reason he cannot fully support this budget.
He says the reduction in post-COVID debt-to-GDP ratio has been far too slow, why, because of government's poor choices.
Usamate says the budget deficit remains alarmingly high, posing significant risk to our economic stability.
He says while the government has made lofty promises, it has not presented a viable plan to reduce this deficit.
The Opposition Whip says borrowing to finance current expenditures without a clear repayment strategy will only lead to further financial strain on future generations.
Usamate says in other words, Professor Prasad says he had to raise the cost of living so that Government debts could be paid.
He says no debts have been paid off, the stock of debt continues to increase, and inflation has been at a record level.
The Opposition Whip says it hit 7.1% in April, a 10-year record.
He says now they talk about 5.7 percent, but the high cost of living is being felt hardest by the worst-off in our society.
Usamate adds that is who government is attacking, the worst-off in our society.
