During a press conference held by the People’s National Movement (PNM) at Balisier House in Port of Spain on October 18, opposition MPs criticized the government’s 2025/2026 budget for alleged inconsistencies, inflated revenue projections, and biased allocations. Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert highlighted discrepancies in the budget, including an overestimated oil price of $73.25 per barrel for 2026, compared to international agencies’ projections of $50-60. This, he argued, inflated revenue by at least $1 billion. Imbert also pointed out that the government understated debt service payments, allocating $7 billion instead of the actual $11-$13 billion required, which could lead to increased borrowing or cuts in planned expenditures. He further criticized the 45% increase in National Insurance contributions, arguing it was based on outdated actuarial reports from 2020 that failed to account for economic recovery. Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales accused the government of neglecting the North West Water Improvement Programme, diverting funds to other regions, and raising electricity rates despite campaign promises to the contrary. Diego Martin Central MP Symon de Nobriga highlighted biased allocations, with PNM-controlled constituencies seeing reduced funding while UNC areas received increased support. The opposition warned that these decisions would harm public services and impact upcoming local government elections.