Rabuka: No empty promises in upcoming national budget

Fiji should prepare for a realistic national budget that cuts out empty promises in the face of rising global fuel prices.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka shared this blunt warning while speaking on what people can expect from the upcoming budget announcement.

Mr Rabuka is in Vanua Levu attending the Cakaudrove Provincial Council meeting.

The 2026-2027 National Budget is expected to be announced by the end of this month.

Mr Rabuka said the Coalition Government would draft a “realistic” budget that ensures the country remains economically stable as it deals with the impact of ongoing tension in the Middle East.

“It is going to be a really realistic one,” he said, referring to the upcoming budget.

“We are not going to make promises because you cannot make promises at times like this. It is going to be tough; we’ll just have to be tough about it.”

However, he also reassured the public that there is no need for panic despite the increase in fuel prices, which have directly impacted businesses and households.

“They should not be worried until the announcements are made,” Mr Rabuka said.

The upcoming budget is expected to reinforce what the Government has described as a balanced, targeted and fiscally responsible framework, with support focused on the most vulnerable sectors rather than broad-based relief measures.