Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has taken aim at current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, criticizing his decision to expand the Cabinet with the appointment of six additional ministers and assistant ministers. Chaudhry has labeled this move as “irresponsible,” particularly given Fiji’s struggling economy and public finances. He estimates that this expansion could add approximately $4 million to the taxpayers’ burden annually.

Chaudhry, who leads the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), stated that the Prime Minister’s actions seem to prioritize his own political security over addressing the pressing needs of the citizens. He expressed that the public is increasingly frustrated with the government’s performance and suggested that instead of enlarging the Cabinet, a better strategy would have been to replace underperforming ministers to enhance efficiency.

Moreover, Chaudhry argued that these recent appointments do not address the deeper issues at hand, such as the escalating costs of living, high unemployment rates, rampant crime, corruption, and deteriorating infrastructure. He believes that merely changing ministerial roles does not tackle the root causes of these challenges.

Chaudhry’s criticisms resonate with a broader public sentiment demanding greater accountability and effective governance. As Fiji faces these socioeconomic hurdles, the calls for responsible leadership provide a glimmer of hope for citizens seeking genuine representation and meaningful solutions to their collective issues.

In summary, while the current political scenario may seem daunting, the discussion around accountability and reform highlights a potential pathway toward improved governance in Fiji, fostering an environment that genuinely serves the needs of its people.