DESPITE the government’s emphasis on expenditure restraint, One Nation Our People Youth Foundation president Abdul Zorhab said the budget was draining the nation’s coffers while offering limited relief for those battling the cost of living.
“Every day, families are forced to choose between buying food, paying electricity, paying bus fare, or purchasing medicine,” he said.
Mr Zorhab described the 10 per cent operational cut announced by the minister as a drop in the bucket.
“The Coalition tells us there is no money to lower the cost of living immediately, yet they spend $9million just to run the public service.”
Mr Zorhab also highlighted the stagnation of the minimum wage, criticising the allocation of $100,000 for further consultation next year while businesses received immediate relief through reduced FNPF contribution rates.
“The Government found millions for corporate tax holidays and airline guarantees, but when it come to the lowest-paid workers in Fiji, they only allocated $100,000 for a study.
“You can’t feed your family with a government review.”
Mr Zorhab said the 7 per cent fiscal deficit would push total debt to $12.6billion by July 2027.
“The Coalition is keeping electricity and bus fares temporarily stable by borrowing heavily against our children’s future.”
Mr Zorhab urged the Government to focus on essential governance and budget implementation rather than introducing new non-urgent legislation.
“At a time when many families are struggling to pay for food, electricity, transport and medicine, Government spending must reflect the nation’s priorities.
“Many citizens question whether funding for additional commissions, reviews and administrative bodies represents the best use of scarce public resources.”
