Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has voiced strong criticism of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent Cabinet expansion, which has resulted in a historic increase in the number of ministers and assistant ministers to 34, comprising 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers. This expansion, which involves the appointment of seven additional officials, has raised concerns regarding the government’s commitment to its pre-election promises of reducing the size and cost of the administration.

Kumar has expressed disappointment that instead of addressing inefficiencies and holding underperforming ministers accountable, the Prime Minister has opted to create what she describes as a “bloated” government structure. “What happened to their promise of reducing government size and cutting unnecessary costs?” she asked, pointing to the contradiction between their campaign pledges and current actions.

The financial implications of this enlargement have become a focal point of Kumar’s critique. With many Fijians already grappling with a high cost of living, she argues that the funds allocated to sustain this expanded Cabinet could be better used to address urgent national issues, such as post-disaster recovery efforts for families affected by recent floods, chronic shortages of medicines in hospitals, and the repair of deteriorating infrastructure.

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has echoed Kumar’s sentiments, labeling the Cabinet expansion as “irresponsible” during a time when fiscal responsibility is paramount.

In response to the backlash, Prime Minister Rabuka has defended his decision, asserting that the expansion is not an attempt to consolidate power in preparation for the upcoming 2026 General Election but is rather aimed at improving government efficiency and service delivery.

This situation has opened the door for critical discussions on governance and accountability within the Fijian government. Political observers remain hopeful that the heightened scrutiny could catalyze necessary reforms, leading to more effective governance that aligns with the needs and expectations of Fijian citizens.

In summary, while the Cabinet expansion has drawn significant criticism for its inefficiencies and perceived abandonment of campaign promises, it also provides an opportunity for dialogue and potential reform. Advocates for improved governance hope that these discussions will ultimately foster a government that prioritizes public service and accountability, benefiting all Fijians navigating economic challenges.