Tonga’s PM proposes MPs take a pay cut

Nuku’alofa: Tonga’s Prime Minister has proposed MPs take a 20 per cent pay cut as the country faces a record deficit. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa made the proposal as Parliament met for the presentation of the government’s budget. Finance Minister Tevita Lavemaau presented the US$253 million (FJ$ 565.44m) budget, with a forecast US$25 million (FJ$55.87m) deficit for the year ahead. Mr Lavemaau said he thinks this is Tonga’s biggest budget deficit ever. He added that a US$181 million (FJ$405.49m) loan from China is due to be paid in 2024, suggesting that Tonga plead with Beijing to cancel the repayment. Parliament will debate the proposed salary reduction.