Opposition MPs in the Kiribati Parliament have defeated the government's budget.
Parliament House in Kiribati Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koro Vaka'uta
The Opposition holds a majority for the first time in three years and on Tuesday voted down the bill 26 votes to 18, with one abstention.
President Taneti Maamau had appealed to MPs to set aside political differences and pass the 2020 budget.
Its defeat comes after the High Court ruled on Monday an opposition MP could move a motion of no confidence against Mr Maamau.
Cabinet had withdrawn an initial tabling of the budget last week, prompting Finance Minister Natan Teewe to resign in disagreement.
Three government bills were also defeated in Parliament last week.