Fiji’s Parliament has approved changes to its 2025 sitting calendar, postponing the week-long budget debate by seven days to accommodate an official visit by the King and Queen of Tonga.
The revised schedule means that the sitting originally planned for July 7–11 will now take place on July 14–18. The adjustment was introduced in Parliament this week by the Leader of the Government, who cited the upcoming state visit of Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho. The Tongan royals are expected to attend the installation of the ‘Tui Lau’ in Lakeba on July 10.
The installation ceremony will formally confer the title ‘Sau ni Vanua ko Lau’, which has remained vacant for over 20 years following the death of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara — Fiji’s first Prime Minister.
While the government highlighted the cultural and regional significance of the event, some opposition members expressed disappointment over the timing of the change, particularly because it affects the national budget debate.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar acknowledged the importance of the royal visit but said the late amendment had disrupted prior commitments.
“I do understand where the Government is coming from. I do understand the urgency, et cetera, but one has to also realise that once we see the calendar, we also make our travel decisions, particularly attending death anniversaries or weddings in the family,” she said. “When you do your booking in advance, and when these changes are made, then it affects your plan, particularly the change that is being introduced now is to do with the budget. If it were any other session, one could say, it is alright. But this is at a very critical stage, which is a critical event for the country, which is the budget. Unfortunately, that is all I wanted to say, and I am kind of disappointed, but I do understand where the Government is coming from. I hope that in future, you can change your programme, but please, leave the budget session as it is, particularly the debate.”
Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad called her comments “demeaning” in light of the cultural importance of the installation ceremony.
Opposition MP Jone Usamate defended Kumar, urging mutual respect and understanding of how such changes can affect members’ commitments.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka took responsibility for the revised dates and acknowledged the concerns raised.
“I fully understand why the comments have been made,” he said. “If there was anyone to apologise, it is I, as the Prime Minister who should be apologising.
“When I accepted the request for a royal visit and cleared with His Excellency the President, I realised that it was going to affect the budget debate week, and I asked the honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance if it would attract negative comments, which it has. But it has given us, honourable Members of the House, another week to prepare for the budget debate. So, we will be better prepared.”
Despite the disagreement, the motion passed with support from both sides of Parliament.
The budget presentation is scheduled for June 27, followed by the debate from July 14 to 18.
