SODELPA Letter Requests Meeting with Coalition Leaders
The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has written to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka requesting the Coalition leaders to meet. The party (SODELPA) wrote to Mr Rabuka on Friday over what.
Saturday 18 January 2025 | 03:43
From left: Assistant Minister for Information Aliki Bia, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua and Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto at the Prime Minister’s office press room on January 10, 2025.
Leon Lord
The Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has written to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka requesting the Coalition leaders to meet.
The party (SODELPA) wrote to Mr Rabuka on Friday over what they described as ‘unintended tensions among the Coalition partners’ following the appointment of Group of Nine (G9) Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) as Coalition Ministers and Assistant Ministers.
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‘Positive feedback’
Mr Rabuka earlier told the press that he had received ‘positive feedback’ from the Coalition partners.
Only the National Federation Party has publicly expressed their support.
“These developments could erode trust and stability, jeopardising the collective mandate we were entrusted with by the people,” the SOLDEPA letter said.
“While we recognise the importance of strengthening parliamentary numbers to amend the 2013 Constitution, it is vital that such strategies are executed transparently and in consultation with all coalition partners.
“SODELPA’S longstanding commitment to stability and unity should not be overlooked or taken for granted in these deliberations.
“SODELPA has remained steadfast in its dedication to the Coalition and has faithfully supported Government leadership and initiatives, even amid differences of opinion.
“Our party’s character is rooted in integrity, and we will continue to prioritise the welfare of the Fijian people over political interests.”
The National Federation Party (NFP) supports the G9 inclusion as ministers and assistant ministers.
Essence of problem
On Wednesday, SODELPA party leader and Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro admitted to this masthead that there were disgruntled SODELPA members.
Mr Radrodro acknowledged that while members are free to express their opinion on the inclusion of G9 Opposition MPs, the party remains committed to the Coalition Agreement.
“Our interaction with leaders locally and abroad indicate that many want the Coalition to work and completing one term successfully has huge implications, with unprecedented goodwill accruing for the country,” the letter said.
“In this spirit, we kindly request a meeting between Coalition leaders to discuss these matters and to reinforce the principles of mutual respect and collaboration.
“Transparent communication and constructive engagement are crucial to ensuring that our coalition remains effective in addressing Fiji’s challenges.”
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