Prime Minister Gaston Browne has openly questioned whether opposition MPs are capable of making a substantive contribution to the upcoming national budget debate, suggesting they lack the preparation and policy grounding necessary for a serious parliamentary exchange.
The comments were made during the Browne and Browne Show as the Prime Minister discussed expectations ahead of the December 4 budget presentation. He directly challenged the readiness of United Progressive Party MPs, singling out several by name. “What would somebody like Serpent go up there… to say? Serpent, Pringle, Shuggy,” Browne said, raising doubts about their ability to engage the government’s fiscal plans.
Browne’s remarks came during a broader segment in which panelists debated whether opposition members might attempt to boycott the budget proceedings or use the debate to mount political attacks. The Prime Minister dismissed the idea, saying there should be “no reason” for a boycott, and instead pivoted to questioning the opposition’s preparedness. His remarks suggested he believes the MPs lack both the economic expertise and the policy substance required for a credible budget response.
The Prime Minister has repeatedly signaled that this year’s budget will highlight what he describes as the government’s strong performance, including growth projections, public-sector investments, and new policy goals. He has also emphasized that the budget is an important test of leadership and competency within Parliament.
Browne’s criticism also aligned with his wider argument throughout the programme that opposition figures have attempted to “undermine order” on issues ranging from vending regulations to illegal dumping enforcement. “Every time the government tried to bring some order… the opposition trying to undermine order,” he said during the show.
The Prime Minister did not outline what he expects from the opposition during the debate, but he emphasized that the government is ready to defend its economic record and push ahead with planned policy measures.
The national budget debate will take place next week in Parliament, where both sides are expected to present their positions on the government’s fiscal strategy for the year ahead.
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