Opposition Criticizes Budget’s 2.5% VAT Cut as Insufficient for Fijians’ Cost of Living Relief

• Opposition MP Virendra Lal criticizes the reduction of VAT by 2.5 percent in the 2025-2026 National Budget
• Lal argues that this reduction is insufficient relief for ordinary Fijians facing rising living costs
• He highlights that a $100 basket of goods would only see a $2.50 relief
• Lal compares this to 2022 VAT rates where a similar basket would cost $6 less
• He claims the increase to 15 percent VAT by the government worsened economic conditions
• Lal states that previous budgets raised and maintained VAT at 15 percent, impacting economic recovery

Source: fijitimes.com.fj

Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.