Government vs. Critics: The Cost of Living Debate Heats Up

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad has dismissed the claims made by Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube and other politicians, asserting that their belief that the Government is powerless to tackle the rising cost of living is unfounded. This comes after Narube criticized the Government for its focus on salary increases while ordinary families struggle with their finances.

Narube expressed concerns that the Government has not effectively addressed issues such as surging living costs, increasing corruption, the drug crisis, and accumulating national debt. He accused the Government of shifting the blame onto citizens for their expectations amid the prevailing economic challenges.

In response, Prof Prasad defended the Government’s performance, highlighting that the economy is experiencing robust growth at approximately 3.8 percent, inflation rates are declining, and investment and tourism sectors are flourishing. He emphasized that the Government is managing debt responsibly and making strides to improve living standards.

Professor Prasad challenged Narube to present actionable solutions to the problems he outlined, stating that the Government has fulfilled its commitments over the past two years. He encouraged Narube, a former governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, to conduct a thorough review of the data and the Government’s policies before making what he deemed unfounded claims.

Furthermore, Prof Prasad noted that measures are being taken to combat drug-related issues, including the formation of a Narcotics Bureau and initiatives to establish drug rehabilitation centers in collaboration with various stakeholders such as families, schools, and NGOs.

This exchange highlights the differing perspectives within the political landscape regarding the Government’s role in addressing economic and social issues. The focus on collaborative solutions involving multiple sectors provides a positive outlook for the community as they work collectively to tackle pressing matters like drug abuse and economic stability.

In summary, while Narube raises valid concerns regarding the cost of living and other societal challenges, Professor Prasad contends that the Government is actively implementing measures to address these issues and improve the overall quality of life for citizens.