THE cost of living is crippling the people, says Opposition MP Sanjay Kirpal.
He told Parliament a mere 2.5 per cent drop in VAT in the 2025-2026 National Budget would not go nearly far enough.
“This country needs real relief, not vote-buying budgets filled with Band-Aid measures,” Mr Kirpal said.
“Every time an election comes near, we suddenly see flashy announcements, cash-in-hand campaigns and shallow promises.
“The people of Fiji are not naive. They deserve better than political theatre.”
Mr Kirpal said if the Government was serious about easing pressure, then VAT should be removed from all essential food and medicine.
“Do not balance the national budget on the backs of the poor. Tax luxury is not survival.
“Everywhere I go around Viti Levu, I hear the same stories — frustration, exhaustion, and hopelessness.
“People are not asking for miracles, they are asking for fairness.
“They want their roads fixed, their water to run and their children to go to school without being turned away for fees.
“They want Members of Parliament who listen, not just during elections, but every day.”
