‘Government promised better but delivered harder’: MP Ketan Lal

Opposition MP Ketan Lal has accused the Coalition Government of failing to deliver on its promises, saying many Fijians now face a more difficult life three years after the last election.

Speaking during the debate on the President’s address in Parliament, Mr Lal said warnings made earlier about the direction of the Government had proven correct.

“Fourteen months into the life of this coalition Government, I warned that this coalition government was becoming a dysfunctional and delusional government, one that had failed to deliver on the promises it made to the people before the election.”

He said those concerns were initially dismissed as political criticism but were now being felt by ordinary people.

“But today, in 2026, the people of Fiji can clearly see that those warnings were not politics. They were factual observations which stand correct today.”

Mr Lal claimed the country had moved from stability to uncertainty.

“Instead, what we have witnessed over the past three years is a government that has managed to turn everything into uncertainty, confidence into doubt, and progress into stagnation.”

He said the departure of skilled professionals from Fiji reflected growing dissatisfaction.

“And every time another young professional boards a plane at Nadi International Airport with a one-way ticket, it is not just a personal decision, it is a vote of no confidence in the direction this coalition government has taken the country.”

Mr Lal said the realities faced by ordinary families were more important than political messaging.

“GDP figures don’t cook dinner. Press releases by this govt don’t pay rent. Slogans by this ministers don’t reduce school expenses.”

He said the central question facing voters as the country approaches an election year was whether the Government had delivered the change it promised.

“This Government has had 3 years, Mr Speaker, Sir. And as we move into an election year, the question ordinary people are asking is simple: Where is the change we were promised?”

Mr Lal summed up his criticism with a blunt assessment.

“This Government promised ‘better,’ but delivered ‘harder.’”