THE Government should prioritise growing the economy and protecting vulnerable households over aggressive fiscal consolidation as many Fijians continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, says economist and University of the South Pacific lecturer Dr Janesh Sami.
Speaking at the National Budget Forum 2026 in Suva on Wednesday, Dr Sami acknowledged that the Government had limited fiscal room but said the timing of efforts to reduce deficits was critical.
“More importantly, there are two things that need to be looked at more deeply,” Dr Sami said.
“One is, when do you want to worry about fiscal consolidation? Now, when economic conditions are very difficult for an average Fijian household? Do we really want to be worried about that?
“So that’s a conversation that we must have now.”
He said although the Government was directing about 40 per cent of its expenditure to the social sector, continued support would be essential while economic uncertainty and cost of living pressures persisted.
“At times when economic conditions are quite uncertain, cost of living pressures are quite significant, the responsibility will ultimately fall on the Government to step in and protect the vulnerable.”
Dr Sami said fiscal consolidation remained an important long-term objective but should not come at the expense of struggling families.
“Right now the focus should be on growing the economy, but most importantly, protecting the ordinary Fijians who are finding it extremely difficult to put three meals on the table.”
