Opposition Calls for Unity While Warning of Fiji's Fiscal Challenges

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Hon. Parveen Kumar Bala has called for greater cooperation between Government and the Opposition, saying Fiji's economic challenges require bipartisan solutions rather than political division.

Responding to the 2026–2027 National Budget in Parliament, Bala acknowledged the work involved in preparing the budget but expressed concern over what he described as warning signs in the country's finances, including the projected $1.045 billion fiscal deficit, public debt of around 85 percent of GDP, and increasing reliance on borrowing to fund government operations.

He said Fiji also needed to increase investment in productive infrastructure, arguing that declining capital expenditure would affect the country's long-term economic growth. Bala added that restoring confidence among ordinary Fijians, local businesses and overseas investors was critical to economic recovery.

The Opposition MP also questioned the efficiency of some public infrastructure projects, citing examples of roadworks and bridge construction that he said reflected poor use of public funds.

On the sugar industry, Bala proposed expanding the Parliamentary Sugar Industry Select Committee into a permanent bipartisan body to oversee long-term reforms, including mechanisation, land tenure, biomass energy and industry diversification.

Concluding his speech, Bala said the Opposition stood ready to work constructively with Government to strengthen the budget and advance policies that serve Fiji's national interest.

"Let us choose partnership over division, progress over stagnation, and unity over discord," Bala told Parliament.

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