Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube claims that the increase in parliamentarian salaries could have serious economic repercussions, potentially leading to higher prices and increased poverty.
Narube stated that “all this could have been avoided by government leadership that respects the principles of fairness, selflessness, and respect.”
He pointed out the irony in the same government leadership being described as Charismatic, questioning the actions of those in power. The former Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor further alleged that the government had manipulated laws and procedures to award themselves higher pay, while the rest of the country struggles with poverty, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis.
“This is the same party that promised not to raise their salaries,” he said.
Narube emphasized that focusing on charisma at this time is not only misplaced but also very misleading. He expressed that charisma alone cannot solve the country’s problems and stressed the need for leadership that prioritizes the people’s interests.
“We need leadership that upholds the principles of fairness, moral integrity, and selflessness,” he continued. “We need leadership that keeps its word. We need leadership we can trust. Charisma is far down the list of the attributes of leadership that Fiji needs right now.”