Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel has used the closing stages of his 2026-2027 National Budget address to defend the Coalition Government’s record, saying it has delivered political stability, restored democratic institutions and provided more than $1 billion in direct cost-of-living support over the past three and a half years.
Addressing Parliament, Mr Immanuel said the Coalition’s package of assistance now exceeded $1 billion, combining tax and duty reductions, social welfare payments, transport subsidies, electricity support, civil service salary increases and targeted household assistance.
“Altogether, the Coalition Government’s cost-of-living package now exceeds $1 billion in direct support through tax and duty reductions, social welfare assistance, transport subsidies, electricity support, civil service salary increases and targeted household relief.”
In his concluding remarks, Mr Immanuel said the Government presented its fourth Budget with “a deep sense of responsibility, humility and confidence” in the country’s direction.
He reflected on the formation of the Coalition Government in late 2022, saying many had questioned whether a coalition of different political parties could provide stable leadership.
“Today, those predictions have been proven wrong,” he told Parliament.
Mr Immanuel said the Coalition had demonstrated over the past three and a half years that stability could be achieved through partnership, consultation and a shared commitment to serving the people.
He said the Government’s first priority had been restoring democracy, media freedom and confidence in national institutions.
“We reopened democratic space, restored media freedom, strengthened Parliament, empowered independent institutions and returned the voices of ordinary Fijians to the centre of national decision-making.”
The Finance Minister said the Coalition inherited significant economic challenges as Fiji emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic while facing geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.
Despite those challenges, he said the Government had restored investor confidence, strengthened the country’s economic foundations and placed public finances on a more stable path through fiscal discipline and targeted support measures.
Mr Immanuel said the Government had simultaneously increased wages, expanded social protection programmes, maintained support for essential household items and assisted students and vulnerable families while creating an environment that encouraged private sector investment and job creation.
He said major infrastructure projects now underway would help address years of underinvestment, improve public services, strengthen connectivity and support long-term economic growth.
Mr Immanuel also highlighted the Government’s constitutional review process, describing it as an important national exercise aimed at ensuring Fiji’s Constitution reflected the aspirations of all citizens.
“It is about ensuring that every citizen has a voice in shaping the future governance arrangements of our country and strengthening the democratic foundations upon which our nation stands.”
Looking ahead to the country’s next General Election, Mr Immanuel said the Government was entering the final year of its term with a record it was prepared to defend.
“This Budget is therefore not simply a statement of revenues and expenditures. It is a continuation of a journey that began with restoring trust, rebuilding institutions and stabilising the economy.”
He said the Coalition welcomed the opportunity for voters to assess its performance at the ballot box.
“We are now approaching another important milestone in our democratic journey. The people of Fiji will soon have the opportunity to assess our record, judge our performance and determine the future direction of our nation through the ballot box. We welcome that opportunity with confidence and respect for the democratic process.”
