Transcript
The Opposition says the "borrowing party and spending spree" of the government over the last four years has come to an end.
Last week the Frank Bainimarama-led government delivered its budget for the coming year on the back of growth it described as the "Bainimarama boom".
But National Federation Party MP Pio Tikoduadua says the government has not provided incentives to increase wages and salaries.
"This is what this boom-for-whom budget is all about. It is about being caught up in circles. It's about confusion. And tragically it's about nothing new. Just a rehash of the old and the vain attempt to muddy the water with high-tech convolution that will not feed hungry mouths."
Mr Tikoduadua has urged the government not to "further oppress and enslave the people of Fiji".
Opposition leader Sitiveni Rabuka says the state continues to give out freebies and handouts that are unsustainable in the long run.
He says this has created an environment where people become dependent rather than be innovative and utilise the resources available to them.
"The claim of a Bainimarama boom in the last 12 years is overstated. It is misleading. Government has brought more hardship to the people of Fiji than prosperity. Only a select few are better off than the majority of our population. It's been kaboom the last 13 years."
The SODELPA leader says this has also brought about the "misguided policies and bullish expenditure".
NFP leader Biman Prasad says the government has run out of money which is reflected in the drastic cutbacks within the budget.
He says the 'spending party' of the state is now over.
"This is a government which is suffering from cognitive dissonance. It's a disease where you begin to believe everything that you do. Even if the reality is staring at your face, you don't believe it. And when somebody shows you the reality, you get very angry, you attack them, you personalise them."
Professor Prasad said Fiji's economy is not strong and successful but one of mediocre fueled by debt.
However Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has refuted the opposition's claims and warned of an 'economic sabotage'.
"When that rumor mill is elevated to the national stage, you can have very real consequences. Someone hears that there's an economic crisis, people can stop spending. Investors may rethink opening a new business. These claims have no merit."
Mr Bainimarama assured the house the economy is "strong and its liquidity levels are more than sufficient".
