PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has commended Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel for delivering what he described as one of the most difficult national budgets amid global economic uncertainty and in his first year as Finance Minister.
Mr Rabuka said the 2026-27 National Budget was a responsible plan focused on sustainability while balancing the country’s current economic challenges with future development priorities.
He said planned investments in medical and health infrastructure would continue, with many of the projects being jointly funded by Fiji’s development partners, reducing the burden on taxpayers.
“Even while we’re going through that difficult time, we are looking forward to some developments with a lot of anticipation,” he said.
“And as he mentioned, the medical infrastructure and health infrastructure development that are already in the pipeline and will come on board and will be facilitated and financed during this time.”
He also stressed the importance of prudent government spending, acknowledging the contribution of civil servants who had continued carrying heavier workloads because vacant positions had not been filled under existing restrictions.
“It’s very important for us to be astute, be prudent in our expenditure.”
Mr Rabuka thanked public servants for their efforts during the difficult economic period and expressed optimism that fuel prices would fall locally once lower international fuel prices filtered through to the domestic market.
He said Fiji was currently using fuel purchased at higher prices, delaying the impact of declining global prices.
Congratulating Mr Immanuel on presenting his maiden national budget, Mr Rabuka said it was a significant achievement given the challenging global economic environment.
“So, I’m very hopeful. I must congratulate the Minister of Finance. His first time in Parliament, first budget.
“He’s done it very well. And I must congratulate him and his support staff.”
