Opposition criticises

Papua New Guinea

Opposition criticises 1994 budget

The PNG opposition has branded the 1994 budget of US$l.B billion as one that will continue to bring failed promises to the majority of Papua New Guineans and benefit the well-off urban communities. Opposition leader, Chris Haiveta in his budget reply in parliament in November called on the Wingti-Chan government to apologise for what he called the failed 1993 budget which the new budget will complement.

Haiveta said the government owes the people an apology...claiming the country is now worse off and as a result the 1994 budget must be approached with plenty of suspicion.

The opposition has also predicted that the budget deficit for next year may reach $4OO million if the government does not plan its fiscal policy properly.

Haiveta said the 1994 budget is being diverted to financing deficits and that the country was facing inconsistent economic policies that would effect economic performance and develop ment.