Opposition MP Premila Kumar has voiced strong objections to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent move to expand his Cabinet, which now totals 34 members—one of the largest in Fiji’s history—with 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers. Kumar argues that this expansion starkly contradicts the pre-election promises made by Rabuka and Finance Minister Biman Prasad to reduce the government’s size and associated costs.

Kumar expressed her frustration, questioning, “What happened to their promise of reducing government size and cutting unnecessary costs?” She criticized the Prime Minister for opting to appoint seven new ministers and assistant ministers, arguing that this decision serves only to protect underperforming officials rather than enhancing government efficiency or accountability. According to her, this bloated Cabinet represents a “bailout” for ineffective leaders, which places additional financial burdens on taxpayers already grappling with a high cost of living.

Kumar highlighted that the funds spent on the expanded Cabinet could have been allocated to urgent national needs, such as recovery efforts for families affected by recent floods, addressing chronic shortages of medicines in hospitals, and repairing infrastructure. She stated, “Why add unnecessary expenses to taxpayers already struggling with a high cost of living? Why neglect critical national issues while funding political payoffs?”

In response to the criticism, Prime Minister Rabuka defended the Cabinet expansion, claiming that it was a strategic move intended to improve government service delivery, rather than an effort to consolidate power ahead of the 2026 General Election. However, the political backlash has spurred discussions about governance and accountability, with former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry echoing Kumar’s concerns about the financial irresponsibility of the Cabinet increase.

This situation opens a crucial opportunity for constructive dialogue surrounding governance in Fiji. Observers hope that the continued scrutiny of the government’s actions will lead to necessary reforms, focusing on accountability and prioritizing the pressing needs of Fijians. By addressing these concerns, the government could restore public trust and improve its effectiveness in service delivery.

In summary, while the Cabinet expansion has been met with considerable backlash for perceived inefficiency and neglect of public accountability, it also offers a pivotal chance for reform. The current political discourse may inspire the government to reassess its priorities, ultimately fostering a more responsive and effective administration that aligns with the aspirations of the Fijian people.