Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has criticised Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s participation in Fiji Airways’ inaugural flight to the Gold Coast, saying it sends the wrong message at a time when the country is grappling with multiple economic challenges.
In a statement, Mr Chaudhry described the Prime Minister’s trip as “highly insensitive”, arguing that the country was facing significant hardship due to rising fuel prices and pressures across key sectors of the economy.
“It is highly insensitive of Prime Minister Rabuka to take off on a freebie on the Fiji Airways inaugural flight to the Gold Coast with the country in a critical mess,” Mr Chaudhry said.
He pointed to the ongoing fuel crisis, rising electricity bills and transport costs, as well as uncertainty in the sugar industry, where cane farmers have been demanding higher forecast and delivery prices before harvesting begins.
“There is a crisis in the sugar industry with cane farmers refusing to harvest unless the Forecast and Delivery Price for the season is increased. The start of crush is being indefinitely deferred as a result,” he said.
Mr Chaudhry said ordinary Fijians were struggling with increasing living costs while leaders should be focused on addressing national challenges.
“While ordinary families are feeling the pressure, the Prime Minister is taking advantage of a free trip on a new international route. This is not responsible leadership,” he said.
According to Mr Chaudhry, the Prime Minister should be in Fiji providing direction during what he described as a critical period for the country.
“The Prime Minister should be at home providing leadership and direction at this critical juncture,” he said.
Mr Chaudhry also accused the Government of sending mixed signals after recent calls for austerity measures and tighter spending.
“Just last week he was publicly calling for austerity all around with tighter government spending. He even floated the idea of cutting the size of the civil service,” he said.
“He needs to lead by example.”
The Fiji Times has sought a response from Prime Minister Rabuka regarding the criticism. A response had not been received by the time this edition went to press.
