Opposition MP Jone Usamate has launched a scathing attack on the Coalition Government’s economic management, warning that Fiji is approaching a “breaking point” amid slowing growth, rising inflation and increasing living costs.
In a statement, Mr Usamate said the country’s economic outlook painted a troubling picture despite Government highlighting higher tax collections.
“Our nation is at a breaking point,” Mr Usamate said.
He pointed to the Ministry of Finance’s Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update released in June 2026, which projects economic growth of 1.5 per cent and inflation exceeding 6 per cent by year-end.
“This is not governance. It is a calculated abandonment of all of Fiji,” he said.
Mr Usamate accused the Government of focusing on fiscal optics rather than economic realities facing ordinary citizens.
“We are watching a government prioritize accounting optics over the reality of a starving economy,” he said.
He claimed operating expenditure had increased significantly while capital spending had fallen, creating what he described as a structural imbalance.
“When a government chooses to pay its own operational costs with debt instead of fostering productive growth, they are not just failing to manage the economy. They are knowingly burning our future to keep their own seats warm,” he said.
The former minister also urged the Government to stop blaming previous administrations.
“Stop the childish blame games about the previous administration. You have been in charge for well over three years now. You should have gotten your act together by now,” he said.
Mr Usamate warned that slowing business confidence, project delays and rising energy costs were weighing on investment and economic activity.
“History tells us that once an engine stalls, it takes years, not months to restart,” he said.
He criticised the Government’s response to the fuel crisis, saying rising transport costs were placing further strain on industries and households.
“By refusing to cushion the fuel crisis, despite global oil prices exceeding US$100 per barrel and domestic transport costs rising 7.5 percent, this government is actively suffocating the industries that keep Fiji alive,” he said.
Mr Usamate said the economic figures represented the struggles of ordinary families facing higher costs of living.
“These are not abstract numbers. They represent real families struggling under rising costs,” he said.
He accused the Government of failing to deliver on key economic responsibilities.
“While the ordinary Fijian pays the price, you have failed to grow the economy, you have failed to protect the vulnerable, and you have failed to lead,” he said.
“When the lights go out in an average home, remember that it is your refusal to act that has left them in the dark.”
