Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent Cabinet expansion, which adds seven new ministers and assistant ministers, raising the total to a historic 34 members—22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers. This makes it one of the largest Cabinets in Fiji’s history and raises significant questions about the government’s commitment to its pre-election promises to reduce both the size and costs associated with the administration.

Kumar has articulated her disappointment over what she sees as a reversal of these promises, asserting that the decision to expand rather than streamline reflects a failure to hold underperforming ministers accountable. “What happened to their promise of reducing government size and cutting unnecessary costs?” she questioned, emphasizing the burden this added bureaucracy places on struggling taxpayers.

Highlighting the detrimental fiscal implications, she pointed out that funds allocated to this “bloated Cabinet” could better serve urgent national priorities, such as recovery efforts for families affected by recent floods, addressing shortages of essential medicines in hospitals, providing free bus fares for senior citizens, and repairing critical infrastructure. Her comments included a stark critique of the government’s priorities: “Why add unnecessary expenses to taxpayers already struggling with a high cost of living?”

In defense of the Cabinet expansion, Prime Minister Rabuka asserted that the move was aimed at enhancing government efficiency and improving service delivery to the citizens of Fiji, rejecting claims that it was a ploy for power ahead of the 2026 General Election. Despite his reassurances, the expansion has sparked widespread political discourse. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry joined in criticizing the move, calling it financially irresponsible.

This situation reveals a critical moment for Fiji’s governance, as heightened scrutiny could inspire constructive dialogue on accountability and efficiency within the administration. Observers and advocates for reform remain hopeful that the backlash against the Cabinet expansion will lead to improvements that genuinely address the needs of Fijians, effectively transforming governance dynamics.

In summary, while the recent Cabinet expansion has faced significant criticism for its apparent contradiction of pre-election commitments, it simultaneously offers a vital opportunity for the Fijian government to engage in introspection and dialogue about its priorities and responsive governance. Through open discussions with the public, there is potential to foster a more accountable administration that better serves its citizens and restores trust in the government. This could herald a new chapter in governance, guiding Fiji towards a more effective and responsive leadership model amid ongoing economic challenges.