SODELPA leader and Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has expressed significant concerns regarding the recent appointment of six members from the Group of Nine (G9) and former FijiFirst party representatives to ministerial positions without prior consultation with SODELPA. Acknowledging the Prime Minister’s authority, Radrodro emphasized the importance of trust and respect within the Coalition for its stability.
Mr. Radrodro highlighted that without SODELPA’s pivotal role, the current Coalition government might not exist, urging all partners to honor the foundational agreements that led to its formation. He described the recent appointments as “interesting” and indicated that they would be discussed with SODELPA’s management board to maintain Coalition cohesion amidst rising tensions.
The lack of prior communication on such significant decisions has the potential to create suspicion among coalition partners, leading Radrodro to reaffirm SODELPA’s commitment to the coalition governance while simultaneously cautioning that unilateral actions could undermine this support. He indicated that although SODELPA was not consulted, he and SODELPA leader Honourable Gavoka were invited to the swearing-in ceremony, highlighting the importance of more inclusive dialogue in governance.
Radrodro stated, “We have weathered difficult times and, despite the deregistration of FijiFirst, without SODELPA, the coalition might not be maintained.” He stressed that the goodwill and cooperation seen in the coalition’s early days must be remembered as any future arrangements hinge on the same principles of consultation and respect.
Despite these developments, SODELPA remains committed to the coalition, emphasizing stability for the nation and the welfare of its citizens and investors. Radrodro acknowledged the professionalism and potential contributions of the newly appointed ministers while reiterating the necessity of maintaining communication and collaboration within the coalition, particularly as Fiji faces future challenges.
The situation reflects broader themes in Fiji’s political dynamics, emphasizing that fostered trust, effective communication, and collaboration are essential for a resilient government. It also poses an opportunity for the coalition partners to reaffirm their commitment to cooperative governance, aiming for a more robust and effective leadership that addresses the needs of all Fijians, providing a hopeful outlook for successful political collaboration moving forward.
Leave a comment