Economy

Parliament Endorse $1.5 Billion Budget for 2026/2027

Published

2 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Lagi Keresoma

Mulipola Ale Molioo speaking in parliament

The Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo speaking in parliament last night.

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 26 June 2025: It was close to midnight last night when Parliament unanimously endorsed the 2026/2027 $1.5 Billion budget after an eight-day sometimes heated debate.

The Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo who tabled Samoa’s very first $1bn budget in 2021, emphasized the current budget’s theme: “Accelerating Inclusive Growth and Access (AIGA)” that is inclusive of everyone from a farmer to other development entities.

“This Budget is reflective of our enduring pledge to inclusive growth that uplifts all, reaching every community, every household and every citizen of Samoa. The resilience of our people and the spirit of our families and communities continue to shape Samoa’s development journey,” said Mulipola.

“From the farmers who sustain our food systems, to the small businesses that drive local economies, to the young people representing Samoa on regional and international stages, each plays a vital role in advancing our nation’s progress.”

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidts acknowledged the hard work of the Minister, the Ministry of Finance and the Members of Parliament’s input in the debate.

Described by opposition MPs as ambitious, the budget sets high revenue targets that relies heavily on streamlining tax and revenue collection, but without increasing taxes.

The Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi expressed concern over the $114 million budget deficit and cautioned against the global events such as the oil crisis and natural disasters that impact on the budget plans and estimates.

A significant feature of the debate is the less confrontation between the Opposition Leader and the Prime Minister as expected following exchanges over social media.

The Prime Minister earlier appealed to the Opposition Leader to end the division and strong statements made over social media.

He said that such statements made by the political leaders, affect the public servants morale, cause uncertainty and continue the divisions.

“If we as the country’s leaders remain calm and resolute, so will the public service and the country,” the Prime Minister said.

Tuilaepa acknowledged Laauli’s words and the notion of parliament working together for people and country.

He said despite the words uttered in Parliament, whether in support or against, that is the nature of Parliament and deliberations.

“We have now passed the easy task of passing the budget; now the difficult part is implementing it,” Tuilaepa said.

“As the Minister of Finance rightly pointed out, we are at the mercy of the global events hanging above as and impact our people and economy. Then there are the challenges in the implementation that require the public servants input, and some may not achieve the projected targets,” said Tuilaepa.

He acknowledged Mulipola as her task as Minister of Finance is not easy and acknowledged the Speaker’s difficult task of guiding the Fono.

Budget allocation