THE 2026–2027 National Budget aligns with the national priorities outlined by the National Federation Party (NFP).
Party leader Professor Biman Prasad said many of the policies and directions established over the past three years had been maintained and strengthened under the current financial plan.
Prof Prasad said Minister of Finance Esrom Immanuel had worked alongside him during the preparation of the last three budgets and therefore had a clear understanding of the country’s policy direction.
“So we started addressing the issues of the minimum wage which we did as soon as we came in. We increased support in all the areas — health, education, social welfare, writing of the TELS off, scholarships,” he said.
“So all these are being continued and strengthened in this budget and I am very, very pleased with that,” he said.
He said the continuation of these policies would benefit the public, while noting that improving international economic conditions, including expected reductions in fuel prices from July, would provide additional relief.
Prof Prasad also acknowledged that despite the continuation of zero duty and zero VAT on 22 basic food items and the maintenance of previously reduced duties, some prices could still increase because of conditions in international markets where Fiji sources its goods.
“So I am happy with the maintenance of everything that we did in the last three years and the direction that we had set for the country in terms of investments, in terms of national development plan targets, in terms of investing in the infrastructure.
“Some of the planning and execution work and delivery is continuing in this budget and that is important.”
