SOLOMON Islands MPs have voted themselves a second salary increase in two years – despite the continuing economic challenges facing Solomon Islanders.
In-depth Solomons reported that the amended 2026 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations took effect on April 1.
Under the new regulations, Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s annual salary has increased to $SBD454,659.43, up from $SBD428,560.12 under the 2024 regulations.
Ordinary MPs will now earn $SBD288,615.02 a year, up from $SBD272,047.34.
The revised annual salaries are:
- Deputy Prime Minister: $SBD408,687.10 (up from $SBD385,226.79)
- Ministers, Opposition Leader and Independent Group Leader: $SBD354,912.78 (up from $SBD334,539.33)
- Deputy Speaker and Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons: $SBD320,279.37 (up from $SBD301,894.02)
The latest adjustments continue a sharp upward trend in MPs’ remuneration since the major review in 2024.
The increase is likely to reignite public debate over parliamentary salaries, a contentious issue in Solomon Islands as many households continue to grapple with the rising cost of living, economic hardship and ongoing challenges in essential public services.
Wale was among the strongest critics of the previous increase when he served as Opposition Leader in 2024.
At the time, Wale described the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission’s decision to increase MPs’ salaries as “untimely and insensitive.”
He argued the increases could not be justified while the country was struggling with economic hardship, a health system under pressure, deteriorating roads and challenges in the education sector.
Wale said at the time that the decision was “a slap in the face to every Solomon Islander struggling to make ends meet.”
PEC Chairman Maezama said the Commission approved the increase because MPs had not received the three per cent Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for 2024 and 2025.
He said the Commission made its decision after consultations with, and receiving advice from, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
