Dear Editor,

As someone who has followed parliamentary sessions since childhood, I can honestly say I have never witnessed anything quite like what unfolded during the recent budget debates in Parliament. For the first time in my memory, it appeared that the Minister of Finance herself struggled to comprehend the very budget she was responsible for presenting and defending.

Watching her falter through questions from the Opposition was uncomfortable. Straightforward queries about figures and allocation matters any Minister of Finance should know inside out seemed to leave her confused and hesitant. It was equally awkward to see other members of the Budget Committee step in repeatedly to assist her, effectively taking over her role just to keep proceedings on track.

Then came the truly extraordinary moment, the Clerk of Parliament rose to physically point out the relevant pages of the budget document to help her follow along. In all my years of watching Parliament, I have never seen such a thing.

It begs the question — if the Minister herself cannot navigate her own budget, how can the public have confidence in her?

The situation was further muddled by the Deputy Prime Minister, who seemed determined to intervene at every turn, attempting to rescue the situation but instead adding to the confusion with vague and unconvincing explanations. It left many wondering whether anyone in the government truly had a firm grasp of the numbers or the policies behind them.

One cannot help but think of Lautimuia, the former Minister of Finance, who played a major role in preparing this very budget. One can only imagine what must have been going through his mind as he watched the debate unfold. It is almost ironic that the person who helped shape the budget sat silent, while the current Minister appeared completely out of her depth.

That said, at least the budget has now been passed,  thankfully, so government employees can finally receive their pay and essential services can continue. But the bigger question remains: if our Minister of Finance cannot confidently explain her own budget, is she truly the best person for the job?

It is a sobering thought for all of us who care about Samoa’s financial credibility and the integrity of our Parliament.

Umi Fuimaono