Biman Defends Budget as PM and Opposition Trade Blows

Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad delivered a forceful right of reply in Parliament yesterday, defending the 2025–2026 National Budget against criticism from the opposition.

Hon. Biman accused the opposition of “cherry-picking” figures to suit their narrative, saying the budget provides real solutions for struggling families and businesses.

“This budget is about choices—and we’ve chosen to protect the vulnerable and invest in the future,” he said.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also addressed the House, reiterating that the coalition government was committed to transparency and long-term recovery.

“We’re not here to make empty promises. We’re here to fix what’s broken,” Rabuka said.

In his contribution earlier in the week, Opposition MP Inia Seruiratu slammed the government for what he called “short-term thinking” and claimed the budget lacked direction.

“This is not a budget of hope—it’s a budget of confusion,” Seruiratu said.