A heated exchange has emerged between Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, and the National Federation Party (NFP), with both parties accusing one another of political failure and betrayal of their constituents. Mr. Seruiratu, who also heads the newly formed People First Party, has criticized the NFP for what he describes as a “political collapse,” asserting that the party has lost its dignity, influence, and credibility.
Mr. Seruiratu pointed out that the NFP, which has historically enjoyed substantial support from Indo-Fijian voters, has failed to deliver significant results for its base since entering government. He claimed that the party, once a champion of Indo-Fijian rights, has become a mere political accessory to the Prime Minister, lacking both independence and principle.
In a robust rebuttal, the NFP dismissed Mr. Seruiratu’s claims as “political lunacy” and “the height of hypocrisy.” The party highlighted its longstanding presence in Fijian politics since its establishment in 1963, portraying itself as an “impregnable fortress.” They accused Mr. Seruiratu of trying to pose as a savior for Indo-Fijians despite his own dubious political background.
The NFP pointedly noted that Mr. Seruiratu had spent over eight years closely aligned with former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, thus questioning his credibility. Additionally, the party criticized Mr. Seruiratu for his vote in favor of parliamentary salary increases, which they argued contributed to the collapse of the FijiFirst Party. They emphasized that while he voted to boost his salary by $80,000, the NFP opposed the raise on both fronts.
This ongoing exchange of accusations highlights the intense political climate as both parties seek to reaffirm their positions and appeal to their respective voter bases in Fiji.
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