BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has outlined the Government’s priorities ahead of next week’s parliamentary debate on the 2026 National Budget, declaring that the country’s development agenda is firmly focused on driving economic transformation and strengthening national unity.

Speaking during his fortnightly press conference with local media on Friday November 28,2025, PM Manele said the 2026 Budget carries the theme “Accelerating Economic Transformation – Resourcing the Resourced to Drive Economic Growth and Sustainable Development.”

He said the Budget is anchored on six core development objectives that will guide national planning and parliamentary deliberations:

• Promoting transformative and sustainable economic growth;
• Maintaining an affordable and realistic national budget;
• Safeguarding fiscal stability;
• Improving service delivery through quality and targeted spending;
• Strengthening national unity and empowering people; and
• Advancing good governance and accountability.

“These objectives highlight the areas that will be central to parliamentary discussions and the continued work of Government in the coming year,” Manele told reporters.

The Prime Minister said the Budget reflects the Government’s intention to balance fiscal responsibility with investment in key productive sectors, social services, and provincial development.

“With these developments and priorities in mind, my government will continue its work across sectors and provinces as Parliament considers the Budget and other national programmes,” he said.

PM Manele encouraged the public to follow the Budget proceedings closely, noting that the national plan for 2026 is designed to respond to ongoing challenges while positioning the country for long-term stability and growth.

Parliament is expected to reconvene today (Monday 1st December 2025) after it was put on special adjournment on Monday November 24 to allow Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to conclude its final inquiry and complete its report, including recommendations on the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025.

The Budget debate is expected to dominate parliamentary business this week.

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