Opposition Delayed Budget Address By More Than An Hour
In reply, the Leader of Government in Parliament, Minister Inia Seruiratu, said: “This is not about ambushing the Opposition, it’s not about undermining the Parliament process. It is about the priorities and the need particularly under the trying times and conditions that we are going through.
Friday 25 March 2022 | 10:06
National Federation Party leader and Opposition member Biman Prasad (right), with SODELPA Opposition members Mosese Bulitavu (left) and Viliame Gavoka (facing camera). Photo: Ronald Kumar
The 2021-2022 Revised Budget announcement was delayed by more than an hour last night after Opposition opposed the motion in Parliament.
And before announcing the budget, Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum apologised to the public for the delay caused by the Opposition.
SODELPA MP Inosi Kuridrani argued that there was no reason to have a revised budget as there was enough funds to take Fiji through.
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He claimed Government was desperate to remain in power and that the revised budget was their way of legalising the strategy for their 2022 General Election campaign.
MP Salote Radrodro said the suspension of standing orders to accommodate the revised budget announcement reflected a selective application of standing orders to suit Government.
She said the public were denied the opportunity to be well informed about the allocations for the different sectors and there should be a robust and healthy debate in Parliament.
In reply, the Leader of Government in Parliament, Minister Inia Seruiratu, said: “This is not about ambushing the Opposition, it’s not about undermining the Parliament process. It is about the priorities and the need particularly under the trying times and conditions that we are going through.
“Let’s be realistic and let’s use common sense. Fiji is not the only country that is grappling with this issue.”
He said the budget review was made known by Mr Sayed-Khaiyum in his budget address on July 16, 2021.
“Let me assure other members on the other side that this is part of the democratic process and that flexibility is allowed in the standing orders. This is legal. We are not breaching the constitution.”
Mr Seruiratu said the Opposition was worried about elections and that budgets were about estimates, about revenue, and expenditure, which had changed over the past few months, and which was necessary to be reviewed.
“They are worried about elections! Let’s serve the people of Fiji first and that’s what we have been doing from day one.”
