Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has called out Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad for what he perceives as a contradiction between Prasad’s previous advocacy for a leaner Cabinet and the current administration’s expansion of governmental roles. During his response to the 2025-2026 National Budget in Parliament, Seruiratu recalled Prasad’s previous assertions against large ministerial salaries and excessive Cabinet sizes when he was in Opposition, questioning, “Where are all those words now?”
Seruiratu referred to a pledge made by Prasad in 2018 to reduce ministerial allowances and keep Ministers focused on improving life for the Fijian populace, urging him to now uphold those promises with concrete actions. The context of this debate is exacerbated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent enlargement of the Cabinet, which now totals 22 ministers and 12 assistant ministers following the appointment of three additional ministers and four assistant ministers from independent members.
In his defense, Prasad dismissed Seruiratu’s critique as “childish,” clarifying that the current coalition government with four groups necessitates a larger Cabinet for stability and effectiveness in governance. He argued that the observations made while in opposition should not directly translate into expected actions now that he is part of a coalition government. This back-and-forth has reignited discussions on fiscal responsibility and political accountability amidst the increasing dissatisfaction among the populace regarding the size and cost of government amidst ongoing economic challenges.
Similar to the sentiments expressed by Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube, who previously criticized the Cabinet expansion’s financial implications, the public outcry over the government’s financial management continues to rise. Opposition figures such as Premila Kumar and Mahendra Chaudhry have echoed concerns, stressing that an enlarged Cabinet is an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, especially during economically precarious times.
While the government defends its reshuffle as a means of improving efficiency and governance, the ongoing debates highlight the urgent need for accountability and transparency in Fiji’s political landscape. With the public increasingly engaged and voicing their concerns, there may be potential for reforms that align more closely with the citizens’ needs, ultimately fostering a government more dedicated to its constituents. This situation offers a hopeful indication that continued scrutiny could lead to positive changes in governance and resource allocation in Fiji.
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