This budget is not visionary – Virendra Lal

This budget is not visionary – it is short-term survival funded by debt, and ordinary Fijians are the ones paying the price.

Opposition MP Virendra Lal made this statement while opposing the 2025–2026 National Budget.

He is calling for urgent action on national unity, economic accountability, and public service delivery.

Lal is urging the government to introduce tougher laws to criminalise acts of sacrilege and provide better protection for places of worship.

The Opposition MP accused the Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, of hypocrisy — saying that while in opposition, Prasad warned against high debt, but has now increased government borrowing to $11.7 billion — nearly 80 percent of GDP.

He says reducing VAT by 2.5 percent is an insult to ordinary Fijians who seek relief from the rising cost of living.

He adds that the hardships and suffering of ordinary Fijians will continue unabated, especially those who do not have a regular income, because on a basket of goods costing $100, they are being given relief of only $2.50.

He says if we use the 2022 VAT rate, where VAT was 9 percent, the same basket of goods would cost ordinary Fijians at least $6 less.

Lal says this year’s budget deficit stands at $886 million — the highest in recent years.

He raised concerns that despite this spending, there is still no clear plan to repay the mounting debt.

The MP also criticised the structure of the budget, saying over 80 percent is going to operating expenses like salaries and subsidies — and just 19 percent to capital projects.

He says this means that over 80 cents of every dollar is being spent on consumption, not investment — which is not sustainable.

He warns that without stronger investment in infrastructure, Fiji risks long-term economic stagnation and increasing pressure on future taxpayers.

Lal also criticised the healthcare system, pointing out big problems at the Valelevu Health Centre in Nasinu, like broken equipment, medicine shortages, and poor management.

He is calling on the Ministry of Health to quickly improve services, make sure medical standards are met, and give better benefits to keep doctors and nurses from leaving the country.

Lal is urging the government to set aside politics, focus on cost-of-living relief, and restore dignity to Fijian families.