Opposition MP Hem Chand has renewed his criticism of the Coalition Government, saying ordinary Fijians continue to bear the brunt of rising living costs, weak service delivery and what he describes as ill-conceived policies that have not delivered for families across the country.
Chand singled out the recent changes to value-added tax, arguing the move from 9 per cent to 15 per cent — later reduced to 12.5 per cent — has hit low- and middle-income households hardest. “This policy has hurt families and appears politically motivated rather than economically sound,” he said, adding that fiscal choices should be evaluated by how they affect day-to-day life. Chand said the government’s performance over the past 39 months “has not met expectations” and vowed the Opposition would continue pushing for policies that protect livelihoods and ensure access to essential services.
The MP also raised fresh concerns about housing and basic services in the west. Residents of informal settlements in Delaisaweni, Nabare and surrounding areas of Lautoka, Chand said, remain uncertain about plans to formalise their communities and have no timeline for when improvements or land tenure will be resolved. Earlier reporting has indicated government agencies and the iTaukei Land Trust Board are exploring master land use plans to tackle lease and licence issues, but Chand’s comments suggest residents still feel left waiting for concrete action.
Education was another area Chand highlighted. He pointed to teacher shortages in some schools, late disbursements of the Free Education Grant and delays to Back-to-School Assistance, saying families and students are being forced to shoulder unnecessary hardship. Chand warned that long-term neglect of basic services and opportunities could have social consequences, including increased vulnerability of youth to criminal activity.
Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel responded by defending the government’s record, telling parliament the Coalition Government has taken steps to shield households from international shocks and local pressures. Immanuel cited measures such as maintaining low interest rates, ensuring strong liquidity in the banking sector and deploying targeted fiscal supports for vulnerable households. He told lawmakers tax collections have exceeded projections and that remittances reached a record $1.4 billion last year, which he said underpinned steady domestic demand and provided a buffer against rising costs.
Immanuel framed those figures as evidence of resilience and preparedness in an uncertain global environment. “While the global outlook remains uncertain, Fiji’s economy has shown resilience. We remain ready to respond to ongoing pressures and are committed to policies that support economic stability, affordable living and inclusive growth,” he said, urging continued fiscal prudence and supportive measures to protect families.
The exchange highlights a widening political debate over how best to balance macroeconomic stability with immediate relief for households. For residents waiting on land formalisation or struggling with school-related costs, the dispute between the Opposition’s calls for faster social support and the Government’s emphasis on fiscal metrics may feel remote from their daily struggles — a gap Chand’s latest remarks aim to narrow.
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