Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has condemned Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s latest decision to expand the Executive, calling it “reckless, costly, and deeply out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Fijians.”
His comments follow the appointment of Sachida Nand as Assistant Minister for Public Enterprises and Shalen Kumar as Assistant Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs that pushes the number of Assistant Ministers to 14, and the total Executive (Ministers and Assistant Ministers) to 37 out of 40 Government MPs, or 93%.
“This Government is now operating with 23 Ministers and 14 Assistant Ministers, with only three non-ministerial members on the Government benches,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“That means 93% of Cabinet is Executive, a staggering imbalance that undermines the principles of parliamentary democracy.”
He said the bloated Executive places further strain on taxpayers already facing rising costs.
“Each additional ministerial position brings significant costs, salaries, allowances, vehicles, office space, and staff. These are resources that could be better spent on healthcare, education, infrastructure, and easing the cost-of-living crisis.”
The Opposition Leader accused the Prime Minister of ignoring the country’s worsening debt levels and economic pressures on families.
“At a time when families are tightening their belts, the Government is expanding. This is not leadership, it is irresponsibility in its purest form.”
He added that the expansion suggests a deeper problem within Government itself.
“It’s a clear admission that the current Cabinet cannot function effectively, that there’s a lack of confidence in the ministers already appointed. It speaks to poor planning, inefficiency, and a government increasingly driven by politics, not performance.”
Mr Seruiratu called on the Prime Minister to justify the decision publicly.
“Fiji deserves a government that is lean, efficient, and accountable. The Prime Minister must explain why the people of Fiji should bear the cost of these political appointments when the country is struggling.”
