Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management, Hon. Johnny Koanapo, presented the 2025 Government Budget this morning during the first extraordinary session of Parliament. The total budget amounts to over VT68 billion, marking a notable decrease of around VT8 Billion compared to last year’s budget of over 77 billion Vatu.

The budget bill, titled the Appropriation Bill, is the first of seven bills scheduled for debate during the current parliamentary sitting. The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ishmael Kalsakau, raised concerns over the budget figures, prompting Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Steven Felix, to adjourn the session to tomorrow morning. This break will allow Members of Parliament additional time to review and discuss the contents of the bill.

This session marks the beginning of the legislative discussions for the 14th Parliament of Vanuatu.