PM unsure of support

The PM is unsure whether the nine members of the Maoate faction will support the Budget. There is an outside possibility they may boycott the sitting.
Members of the Maoate faction were to meet with Cabinet earlier this week to discuss the Budget but they did not turn up for the meeting.
Cabinet will meet next week to consider the Budget following which the Prime Minister will make a decision regarding calling parliament.
Insiders tell the Times the PM’s view is that the Budget be tabled but not debated or passed. Government would then move to operating on 3/12 of the previous Budget. The Budget must be tabled by 31 July.
The PM was also of the view parliament not be called.
The CIP opposition has indicated they would support the passing of the Budget as the CIP considers it a priority that funds be appropriated for the Aitutaki recovery.
Under the MFEM Act parliament must be called when the Budget is tabled.
If parliament is called the Maoate faction cannot vote against the Budget however if they boycott parliament, pressure could then go on the Queen’s Representative to intervene.

By Charles Pitt

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