Coalition Crisis
PM Rabuka axes Radrodro from cabinet; Sparks concerned of coalition breakdown.
Saturday 20 January 2024 | 11:25
The future of the Coalition Government hangs in the balance after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, on Friday, dismissed Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro from Cabinet.
Mr Radrodro was cited for insubordination and disobedience to the Prime Minister's directive.
No explanation was given.
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On Friday; the outspoken general secretary of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), Viliame Takayawa, minced no words, alleging that Prime Minister Rabuka's actions seem calculated to dismantle the coalition.
"It seems he initiated this to dismantle the coalition," Mr Takayawa said.
The dismissal, effective Monday; January 22, 2024, will position Mr Radrodro as the lone backbencher without a portfolio when Parliament sits in March for the first time this year.
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Viliame Gavoka will assume the portfolio as Minister for Education in addition to his responsibility for Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Should Mr Radrodro decide to resign from Cabinet, the next in line for SODELPA is Ro Teimumu Kepa.
She polled 1123 votes in the 2022 General Election.
Ifereimi Vasu polled 1427, Mr Radrodro 1239, while Mr Gavoka polled 3793.
As the political storm brews, both the President and the Speaker of Parliament have been informed of Mr Radrodro’s sudden dismissal.
The nation watches anxiously as the Coalition Government faces its most significant test to date.
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