GOVERNMENT was upfront about Fiji’s financial challenges and avoided making commitments it could not afford, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says.
Defending the 2026-2027 National Budget during the parliamentary debate, Mr Immanuel said the Government had presented the public with a realistic assessment of the country’s economic position.
He said difficult choices were needed to strengthen Fiji’s finances over the medium term.
Responding to criticism over the budget’s projected 7 per cent fiscal deficit, Mr Immanuel said the figure must be viewed in the context of the economic challenges facing the country, rather than as a single measure of responsibility.
He said responsible budgeting was not about making popular decisions but protecting the country’s long-term stability.
“We did not attempt to hide our fiscal challenges,” he said.
“We did not overstate Government’s financial capacity, we did not make promises that future governments would struggle to finance.”
Mr Immanuel said the Government had listened to concerns raised by the public, businesses and other stakeholders following the budget announcement, adding that the discussions helped explain the reasoning behind its decisions.
“They deserve a government that tells them the truth, even when the truth is uncomfortable.”
Mr Immanuel said the Government had recognised areas where improvements were needed, including reducing operational costs, improving public sector efficiency and gradually rebuilding fiscal buffers.
He said the budget focused not only on managing immediate challenges but also on creating a stronger and more resilient economy for the future.
“Government must live within its means while protecting those who need the most.”
