Opposition MP Premila Kumar has urged Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica to cease blaming the current economic difficulties on the previous FijiFirst Government and to provide concrete evidence for his claims. Kumar has suggested that if Kamikamica truly believes there was mismanagement, he should seek legal action against those responsible.
Kumar highlighted that during the Bainimarama Government, Fiji saw significant economic advancement, with the GDP increasing from $6 billion to nearly $12 billion and the GDP per capita almost doubling from $6,600 to over $13,000. This transformation marked a shift from a low-income to an upper-middle-income country, thereby enhancing Fiji’s global standing.
In contrast, she contended that the current Coalition Government is reversing this progress by raising living costs for families and businesses. The increase in VAT from 9% to 15% and the rise in corporate taxes from 20% to 25% have reportedly led to higher prices for essential goods, forcing families to make tough financial decisions.
Kumar criticized the government’s narrative that attributes rising costs solely to imported inflation, arguing that this perspective overlooks the detrimental impact of their tax hikes. She stated, “Common sense dictates that during high import prices, raising duties and taxes only inflates the cost of living further.”
Her criticism aligns with her past remarks on the government’s economic policies, highlighting a perceived negligence towards the basic needs of the population. Many families are reportedly struggling with the harsh reality of choosing between essential groceries and paying bills, despite official claims of a thriving economy.
Kumar has called for greater accountability from Kamikamica and the Coalition Government for what she sees as ineffective policies. She advocates for inclusive economic strategies that prioritize the welfare of all Fijians, suggesting that with concerted effort, the government has an opportunity to focus on improving living conditions and creating a more equitable economy, ultimately helping to ease the financial burdens faced by everyday families.
This commentary reflects a growing sentiment among some political leaders that addressing economic inequalities and prioritizing the needs of the population could foster a more sustainable and prosperous future for Fiji.
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