The recent appointment of three additional Cabinet ministers and three assistant ministers in Fiji has resulted in the Cabinet expanding to a total of 22 members. This significant increase has raised serious concerns regarding adherence to a coalition agreement established in 2022 between The People’s Alliance (PA), the National Federation Party (NFP), and SODELPA. Specifically, Clause 4 of the agreement states that the Cabinet should not exceed 20 ministers.

Critics of this decision argue that it constitutes a breach of the agreement. The Prime Minister, while having the prerogative to allocate ministerial portfolios, is required to consult coalition partners before making such changes. The recent reassignments of crucial portfolios—including Policing, Immigration, and Climate Change—have sparked discussions about the stability and future direction of the coalition government.

Political analysts and opposition members have expressed their dissatisfaction, warning that this Cabinet expansion may complicate governance during a period of pressing socio-economic challenges, such as rising poverty and high living costs. Concerns have been raised that increasing the number of ministers could lead to unnecessary layers of bureaucracy, potentially hindering the government’s efficacy in addressing these urgent issues.

On a more optimistic note, some observers believe that expanding the Cabinet might actually enhance the government’s capacity to respond to critical matters like public safety and climate change. This perspective offers a glimmer of hope that the changes could lead to improved governance, making the administration more responsive to the needs of the people and potentially restoring greater trust in democratic institutions.

In summary, while the Cabinet’s expansion raises important questions about adherence to political agreements and governance effectiveness, it also presents an opportunity to re-align priorities and foster potential reforms. There is hope that through these adjustments, the Fijian government can become more attuned to the socio-economic needs of its citizens, paving the way for a brighter and more accountable future.