Fiji’s Cabinet Controversy: A Recipe for Reform or Recklessness?

Opposition Member of Parliament Hem Chand has expressed significant concerns about Fiji’s newly expanded Cabinet, now the largest in the nation’s history with 34 ministers and assistant ministers. This expansion is criticized for leading to the highest ministerial salary bill recorded in Fiji.

During his address in Parliament, Hem Chand echoed sentiments shared by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who emphasized the need for accountability, transparency, and good governance at the commencement of the 2025 Parliament session. However, Hem Chand highlighted a disconnect between these principles and the actions of the Coalition Government, noting that many citizens feel good governance is not being effectively implemented.

Chand expressed skepticism regarding the rationale behind such a large Cabinet, especially considering Fiji’s population of fewer than one million people, and how this expansion imposes a financial burden on taxpayers. He also underscored the timing of this increase, which coincides with increasing challenges faced by everyday Fijians, such as a rise in Value Added Tax (VAT), poverty, high living costs, and heightened crime rates.

Criticism of the Cabinet’s size has been echoed by other political voices, including Nilesh Lal, Executive Director of Dialogue Fiji, who described the Cabinet as “bloated.” Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has also condemned the expansion, labeling it financially irresponsible given the pressing needs of the population.

Nevertheless, the ongoing debate over the Cabinet’s size presents a pivotal opportunity for the government to reevaluate its priorities. The rising dissent may act as a catalyst for necessary reforms, encouraging the administration to better align its activities with the needs of its citizens and potentially leading to improvements in public services and an increase in accountability in governance.

While the current situation raises valid concerns about the governance priorities in Fiji, it also facilitates the possibility of constructive dialogue that could enhance the relationship between the government and the public moving forward. The potential for reform invites a more responsive government structure tailored to the challenges faced by the population, offering a hopeful outlook for future governance in Fiji.