The Marape government’s much-celebrated 2025 national budget has come under heavy fire, with strong criticism describing it as a “spectacular failure” marred by poor implementation, excessive borrowing, and inequitable distribution of funds.
Member for Chuave James Nomane launched this scathing attack on the government, branding the 2025 K28.357 billion “game-changer” budget as nothing more than another slogan-driven promise that has failed to deliver tangible outcomes for ordinary Papua New Guineans.
“In Parliament, I have said repeatedly that this 11th Parliament is overwhelmed with pleasantries, platitudes, and pollyanna,” the MP said. “Leadership has become superficial. Vanity, pride, and ego have replaced substance.”
He accused the Marape-led administration of starving districts and provinces of their rightful funds while promoting political favoritism and selective warranting. “Chuave has not received its K20 million DSIP, DIP, or Kina-for-Kina funds. The Simbu Provincial Government is still waiting for its K34 million functional grants. Why should we beg for money that rightfully belongs to our people?” he questioned.
Nomane said the 2025 budget failed because it was built on “unsustainable spending, unrealistic revenue projections, and weak fiscal management,” with political interference worsening the problem. “We must judge the Prime Minister and his Treasurer by results. If sectors, provinces, and districts miss out through selective warranting, then something is seriously wrong,” he said.
After six years of what he called “a pathetic Pangu-led government,” the Chuave MP declared the time had come to end “petty politics, cronyism, and favoritism.” He said the Prime Minister’s promises of one million jobs, agricultural revival, and foreign investment have not materialized.
“Where is the fiscal discipline? Where is the vision for youth, for rural development, for sovereign dignity?” he asked. “We are stuck with astronomical loans and inflation while government elites globetrot and perform for the cameras.”
Nomane announced he will seek Supreme Court enforcement of the Appropriations Act, citing inequities in the distribution of budget funds and the government’s failure to recognize the people of Chuave and Simbu.
“The people’s money is being plundered by a small kitchen cabinet. Effective budget implementation defines competent leadership — and this government has failed that test miserably,” he said. “Our national debt now stands at K65 billion, and we have no significant investment to show for it. Who will stop this madness?” Nomane asked.
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