Shadow Minister for Finance and Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, expressed his appreciation for the coalition government’s initiatives aimed at mitigating the rising cost of living, as outlined in the 2025-2026 National Budget. During a parliamentary debate, he commended specific measures targeting financial relief for Fijians but emphasized the need for more substantial support to address escalating economic pressures.
Mr. Seruiratu particularly highlighted the formation of a Joint Enforcement Task Force, designed to monitor retail pricing to ensure that tax and duty reductions effectively benefit consumers. He stated, “This is necessary because past instances have seen traders exploit loopholes, undermining relief efforts intended for customers.”
The task force will consist of representatives from key regulatory bodies, including the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Consumer Council of Fiji, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, and the Ministry of Finance. It has the authority to impose penalties or price controls on businesses that engage in unfair pricing practices.
Additionally, he acknowledged a 3% pay increase for civil servants starting in August 2025 as a positive step towards enhancing household purchasing power. However, he described these measures as minimal: “While these are welcome, they will have limited effects on household purchasing power.”
Seruiratu urged the government to consider more extensive support in future budgets, advocating for measures that align with the cost-of-living challenges faced by families.
Further context reveals that this sentiment resonates with ongoing discussions regarding appropriate strategies to combat rising living costs in Fiji. Earlier statements from Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad confirmed that current inflationary pressures are largely driven by external factors, highlighting a commitment to explore various avenues for financial relief to assist households effectively.
As Fiji navigates these economic challenges, there remains optimism that both the government’s acknowledgment of the issues and the collaborative efforts with various sectors will lead to tangible improvements in living conditions for all citizens. By continuing to address both immediate and long-term economic pressures, the path toward a more stable and supportive financial environment seems hopeful.
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