PNG PM Defends 2026 Budget in Heated Parliament Exchange
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has defended the K30.9 billion 2026 National Budget in Parliament, dismissing Opposition criticism as selective and misleading. He said the Government’s economic record was being unfairly portrayed and urged MPs to rely on complete information when speaking about public finances.
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| PNG PM Defends 2026 Budget in Heated Parliament Exchange |
Responding to comments from Shadow Treasurer Bryan Kramer, Mr Marape said the Opposition ignored the wider economic context, particularly PNG’s rising GDP, when discussing debt levels. He noted that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio is forecast to drop to 45.5 per cent in 2026, which he described as responsible when compared internationally. He also reminded Parliament that the Government lowered the legal debt ceiling from 55 per cent to 52.5 per cent.
The Prime Minister pointed to revenue growth as evidence of stronger economic activity, citing increases in company tax, GST, and mining and petroleum receipts since 2018. He said these gains reflected active business operations and continued expansion in the non-resource sector across agriculture, retail, construction and hospitality.
Mr Marape told Parliament that PNG had managed to maintain positive economic growth throughout the COVID-19 period at a time when many nations reported downturns. He added that the Government delivered more than K3 billion in household relief since 2019 through tax adjustments, free education support and the HELP loan program.
He also highlighted ongoing investment in national infrastructure, including upgrades to 2,500 kilometres of existing roads, 1,900 kilometres of missing-link roads and new hospitals and airports.
“Our people deserve the truth. We must stop misleading information,” he said.
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