Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has strongly denounced Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent Cabinet expansion, alleging that it contradicts the government’s pre-election promises to reduce both the size of the administration and associated costs. Following the appointment of seven new ministers and assistant ministers, the total number of members in the Cabinet has reached a historic high of 34, consisting of 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers.

Kumar expressed her frustration, questioning, “What happened to their promise of reducing government size and cutting unnecessary costs?” She criticized the government for failing to address inefficiencies and for not holding underperforming ministers accountable, instead opting for what she terms a “bailout” for ineffective leaders. According to her, this strategy ultimately comes at the cost of hardworking Fijians, who are already grappling with rising living expenses.

She further raised alarm over the financial burden that such expansion places on taxpayers, especially in light of ongoing national challenges, including post-disaster recovery for families affected by recent flooding, shortages of essential medicines in hospitals, and infrastructure repairs. Kumar remarked, “The funds wasted on this bloated Cabinet could have been better utilized to tackle these urgent national needs.”

In defense of the Cabinet expansion, Prime Minister Rabuka argued that this move does not signal a grasp for power in advance of the 2026 General Election but is instead aimed at enhancing government efficiency and service delivery to the people of Fiji.

Despite the criticism from Kumar and other political figures, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, this situation could catalyze pivotal discussions about governance and accountability within the government. Observers hope that such dialogue may lead to necessary reforms that align government actions with the pressing concerns of its citizens, potentially restoring public trust and improving service delivery.

In summary, while the Cabinet expansion has drawn significant backlash for perceived inefficiencies, it also offers a crucial opportunity for the Fijian government to reassess its strategies and priorities. Focusing on the needs of its citizens and fostering accountability may lead to significant enhancements in governance, ultimately benefiting all Fijians grappling with economic challenges.