Opposition Member of Parliament, Premila Kumar, says rising public debt and slowing economic growth are among the biggest concerns in the coalition government’s 2026/27 National Budget.

Immigration Minister Viliame Naupoto says the 2026-2027 National Budget will strengthen Fiji’s border security through major investments in modern technology, decentralised services and passport availability.

The health system is facing mounting pressure as HIV cases rise and patients continue to travel overseas for critical cancer treatment.

Opposition Member of Parliament Parveen Bala is calling for greater bipartisan cooperation to address Fiji’s economic challenges, saying no government can solve the country’s fiscal and development issues alone.

Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel has responded to Fiji Hotels and Tourism Association Chief Executive Fantasha Lockington on her claims that the industry was not consulted before the introduction of the five percent tourism services tax.

Applications for the government’s Multi-Ethnic Grant have increased fourfold in just one year, highlighting growing demand from communities across Fiji for funding to improve community facilities.

Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel has defended Fiji’s projected fiscal deficit of around 7 per cent of GDP, insisting the level of borrowing is responsible given extraordinary global and domestic economic pressures.

The 2026-27 National Budget has a clear philosophy behind it to pare back operating expenditures over time to reduce the deficit.

The Fiji Teachers Union has strongly criticised the 2026/2027 National Budget, describing it as a betrayal of workers, teachers and their families.

Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga has dismissed criticism that the constitutional review process is a waste of time, saying the exercise remains on track and is progressing as scheduled.

The government has announced significant changes to the National Training and Productivity Centre levy distribution as part of efforts to strengthen training and upskilling of workers in the country.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo has welcomed the Ministry’s budget allocation for the 2026-2027 financial year, saying it is close to the amount requested by the Ministry.