A sharp exchange unfolded in Parliament as Government MP Manoa Kamikamica defended the Coalition Government’s response to the cost‑of‑living crisis while Opposition MP Premila Kumar accused ministers of failing to deliver on promises and leaving families to shoulder rising prices. The debate, held during MPs’ right of reply to the presidential address, highlighted divergent views over the effectiveness of budget measures and the state of the economy.
Kamikamica told Parliament the Opposition had overlooked the assistance already provided through the national budget, saying revenue collected by Government had been returned to the people via targeted programmes. He pointed to a $40 million Back‑to‑School initiative alongside bus fare subsidies and increases in social welfare payments as concrete examples of support aimed at easing household costs. Kamikamica also rejected Opposition claims that inflation was worsening burdens on families, saying inflation remained contained, borrowing costs were low and Government borrowing was not crowding out private sector credit.
A central point in Kamikamica’s defence was an assertion that Fiji currently has about $2 billion in liquidity, which he said ensures businesses can access credit. He used that figure to counter economic critiques and pressed the Opposition on what steps it had taken on social issues while previously in office, also challenging its criticisms on matters such as HIV and drug abuse.
Kumar, speaking before Kamikamica’s remarks, said there was an increasing gap between Government promises and the reality experienced by ordinary Fijians. She told Parliament many families continue to struggle with high food prices and rising living costs, and raised particular concern about delays to legislation pledged in earlier presidential addresses. Her criticisms underscored the Opposition’s argument that more urgent or effective measures are needed to relieve pressure on households.
The exchange is the latest development in a wider parliamentary debate following the President’s address, with members set to continue their right of reply today. The Government’s emphasis on budget assistance and available liquidity marks its attempt to shift the focus toward programmes already implemented, while the Opposition is pressing for faster legislative action and tangible relief where household expenses remain high.
The clash exposes the political stakes around economic messaging: the Government is seeking to reassure businesses and voters that macroeconomic stability and targeted support are in place, while the Opposition is highlighting day‑to‑day cost pressures and perceived implementation gaps. With MPs continuing the right of reply, further details on the timing of promised legislation and any new measures to tackle food prices and living costs are likely to emerge as the debate proceeds.
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