Opposition MP Premila Kumar has called out the Government for its economic policies, which she claims cater only to a select few. During her speech in Parliament, Kumar highlighted the rising cost of living in Fiji, asserting that everyday citizens are facing increasing financial hardships while essential goods and services have become unaffordable luxuries.

Kumar pointed out the difficult choices families must make—deciding between buying medicine or groceries and between paying rent or electricity bills. Despite these challenges, she noted that the Government continues to assert that the economy is thriving. “If this is the case, where is the tangible benefit? The hardworking farmers are grappling with higher input costs; nurses and teachers are leaving for better opportunities abroad; and small business owners are struggling to stay afloat,” she stated.

She emphasized that the Government’s economic policies seem to prioritize the interests of a select elite, rather than improving the lives of the general population. While the Government speaks of economic growth, Kumar questioned who actually reaps the benefits, insinuating that it is predominantly the well-connected elite and multinationals.

Kumar criticized the administration for valuing statistics over the welfare of citizens, arguing that Fijians deserve policies that uplift everyone, not just the privileged few. She proposed measures such as reducing VAT on essential items to alleviate the burdens on families, supporting small businesses that form the backbone of the economy, and providing real opportunities to skilled workers instead of losing them to foreign markets.

She concluded with a powerful statement about defining success not through financial data but by the well-being and dignity of the people. Kumar articulated a pressing concern for rising poverty levels and the struggles faced by many Fijians, reinforcing the need for more equitable and inclusive economic policies.

This situation underscores the crucial need for governments worldwide to listen to the concerns of their citizens and ensure that economic growth translates to improved living conditions for all, not just a privileged few. The push for a more supportive economic environment and strategic investments in local communities can pave the way for sustainable growth.

In summary, Kumar’s statements shed light on the significant disconnect between government proclamations and the realities faced by many Fijians, emphasizing the urgent need for change in economic policies.