National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad has brushed aside reports of an imminent Cabinet reshuffle, saying the party remains a strong and stable partner in the People’s Coalition Government.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance said NFP was committed to delivering on promises and advancing the country’s development priorities.
Yesterday Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reiterated to the media a reshuffle was on the horizon as the People’s Coalition Government approaches the midway point of its term.
“Yes, it’s happening, it’s coming to the end of the year, and it’s a good time to make changes.”
Responding to questions from The Fiji Times, the deputy PM reaffirmed the NFP’s dedication to the coalition, stating that their partnership with the government extends beyond the current term.
“As the Prime Minister said at the NFP convention, we need to continue to build this political partnership beyond 2026,” Prof Prasad said. Highlighting the coalition’s achievements over the past two years, Prof Prasad described the National Development Plan (NDP) as a cornerstone of the Government’s efforts.
“Our NDP is a major achievement for the Coalition Government. Its three-year and five-year plans clearly lay out how we intend to achieve the basics of development — providing water, roads, drainage infrastructure, improving health, and education infrastructure. Much of this work has already started,” he said.
Prof Prasad noted that decisive macroeconomic management has placed Fiji on a sustainable path, with the economy growing at 3.8 percent, inflation slowing, and investments gaining momentum.
“The Government has reduced the debt-to-GDP ratio from 90 percent to 78 percent, signalling improved fiscal stability. Tourism is booming, income levels are rising, and living standards are improving,” he said.
He detailed several initiatives Government has implemented to support vulnerable populations and improve services — including the national minimum wage which will increase to $5 per hour by April 2025, farmers receiving over $105 per tonne of sugarcane last season, salary increase for over 40,000 civil servants, with a total injection of $85m, $650m in TELS debt for 53,000 families written off, and replaced by a full scholarship scheme, the restoration of FNPF pensions at a cost of $50m, social welfare allowances increased by 25 percent for individuals over 70 and by 15 percent for others, supported by $200m in funding, and the zero-rated VAT on 22 essential items, costing the government $250m annually.
