President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has highlighted persistent poverty and hardship affecting a significant portion of Fiji’s population, while outlining the guiding principles that will shape Government policy and decision-making in the years ahead.
Addressing Parliament at the opening of the new session, President Lalabalavu said recent findings showed that at least one part of the population is living below the poverty line, with a further 25 per cent facing hardship just above the poverty threshold in both urban and rural communities.
“These findings reinforce the importance of formulating just policies and programmes that are inclusive, well-targeted and grounded in evidence,” the President said.
He said the Government’s programme for 2026 and beyond aims not only to grow the economy, but to ensure that economic growth delivers meaningful benefits to ordinary citizens.
“Growth must create decent work, protect the vulnerable and invest in the capabilities of our people,” President Lalabalavu said.
He told Members of Parliament that the formulation of government programmes and policies would be guided by three key principles.
The first is unity in diversity, ensuring that every citizen — regardless of background or place of residence — shares in national progress.
The second principle is sustainability and resilience, which he said requires protecting people, the economy and the environment for both present and future generations.
The third principle is integrity and good governance, with a strong focus on strengthening trust in public institutions and public leadership.
“These principles will inform the formulation of legislation, budgetary decisions, institutional reform and public policy across all sectors,” the President said.
He added that they would serve as a compass for national decision-making in the years ahead, as Fiji works to address inequality, reduce hardship and build a more inclusive and resilient society.
