The recent decision to appoint three additional Cabinet ministers and three assistant ministers in Fiji has expanded the Cabinet to a total of 22 members, raising serious concerns regarding adherence to a coalition agreement established in 2022. This agreement, which involves The People’s Alliance (PA), the National Federation Party (NFP), and SODELPA, contains a specific clause (Clause 4) that limits the total number of cabinet ministers to 20.
This move has been characterized as a violation of the agreement, which stipulates that the Prime Minister must come from the PA and that there should be prior consultation with coalition partners when allocating ministerial portfolios. The recent reallocations include key portfolios such as Policing, Immigration, and Climate Change, causing analysts and opposition members to question the coalition’s stability and its ability to navigate upcoming challenges effectively.
Critics argue that this expansion complicates governance, especially amid rising socio-economic issues like poverty and a high cost of living. They contend that increasing the size of the Cabinet adds unnecessary bureaucracy and may distract from urgently needed reforms.
Conversely, some observers argue that the larger Cabinet could enhance the government’s capacity to respond effectively to pressing issues, such as public safety and climate change. There is a hopeful sentiment that this political move might lead to improved governance and greater responsiveness to public needs, potentially fostering renewed trust in democratic institutions.
In summary, while the expansion of the Cabinet presents challenges regarding compliance with political agreements and governance effectiveness, it also opens the door to potential reforms. The hope is that through these changes, the government can emerge as a more effective and accountable entity that prioritizes the welfare of all Fijians, aligning better with the needs and aspirations of the citizenry.
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