Civil servants could face salary cuts if rising fuel costs place further pressure on Government finances, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says.
Speaking to journalists after opening the Cakaudrove Provincial Council meeting at Korotasere Village yesterday, Mr Rabuka confirmed that the issue had been discussed but stressed that no decision had been made.
“There can be consideration due to the fuel cost increase but I have not made a decision yet,” he said.
Mr Rabuka said any measures taken by Government would depend on assessments and calculations provided by the Ministry of Finance.
“I will work on the calculations provided to me by the Minister for Finance.”
He noted that pay cuts had previously been imposed on parliamentarians during difficult economic periods and said similar sacrifices could be required again if circumstances worsened.
“We have had pay cuts for parliamentarians before, and it could continue.”
“We all have to make sacrifices at some point. However, I have not made that decision yet.”
The Prime Minister also dismissed speculation that a decision had already been reached on salary reductions.
“Whoever is contemplating it or spreading those claims, I do not know where they are getting that information from,” he said.
His comments come amid growing concerns over rising fuel prices and the impact they could have on the cost of living and Government expenditure.
Asked whether measures such as pay cuts could affect voter support for the Coalition Government ahead of the next general election, Mr Rabuka acknowledged there could be political consequences.
“It can, but Fiji has to try,” he said.
Mr Rabuka did not indicate when a final decision on any potential salary reductions for civil servants would be made.
The 2026–2027 National Budget will be announced in Parliament on Friday, June 26, by Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel.
