Tusi Tala
An opposition MP in Kiribati, Sir Ieremia Tabai, criticized the Budget presented late last year for failing to allocate funds for the commitments outlined in President Taneti Maamau’s electoral manifesto. This manifesto, released before the October elections, detailed 148 specific pledges, including tax reductions and infrastructure improvements, which are to be monitored by the Electoral Office.
Tabai questioned the government’s foresight regarding the costs of these commitments, noting that Maamau indicated they would be fulfilled over a 20-year period under the “Kiribati Vision 20.”
Additionally, Tabai expressed concerns about the composition of select committees, which he claims consist solely of government MPs, thereby consolidating Maamau’s support by providing substantial daily allowances.
In a separate issue, the Kiribati Government’s suspension of the Court of Appeal has drawn international condemnation, and a tribunal to investigate claims against judges has yet to be established.
The IMF has also urged the government to reconsider recent budget changes that loosen restrictions on accessing earnings from the country’s sovereign wealth fund, warning that this could jeopardize fiscal discipline and lead to the fund’s depletion.
