NFP will be a significant force in next government, says Prasad

National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad believes the party is on course to become a major force in Fiji’s next government, citing its record in the Coalition Government and growing support nationwide.

Addressing the NFP Nadi Branch Annual General Meeting at the Nadi Civic Centre on Saturday, Professor Prasad said the party was strengthening its grassroots network and preparing for the next General Election.

“NFP is on its way to becoming a major political force in the next government, and that is the message I want to leave with you today,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the NFP, which has contested every General Election since the 1960s, was focused on expanding its support base as it prepared for its annual convention in Suva in September.

Responding to questions about election readiness, Professor Prasad said the party was prepared for the next national poll.

“NFP has always been ready for elections, and we are ready for the next election,” he said.

Professor Prasad used the meeting to defend the Coalition Government’s record since taking office in 2022, arguing that fears about cuts to social welfare, scholarships and education assistance had not materialised.

“Nothing of that sort happened. We increased social welfare allowances across the board. We raised the minimum wage from $4 an hour on January 1, 2023, to $4.50 and later to $5 an hour,” he said.

He also highlighted increased investment in health, education and infrastructure, including plans for a new super-speciality hospital in Nasinu supported by the Government of India.

On the economy, Professor Prasad said reforms to the value added tax (VAT) system had boosted government revenue while closing loopholes.

“When I took over the finance portfolio, government revenues were losing approximately $500 million to $600 million. We rationalised the system by removing the nine per cent rate and retaining only the zero per cent and 15 per cent rates,” he said.

According to Professor Prasad, the reforms generated an additional $400 million to $500 million in revenue that was directed towards social welfare payments, civil service salary increases, agricultural assistance and support for sugarcane farmers.

“Although global sugar prices are declining and forecast prices have been set at lower levels, the government has consistently supplemented payments to support our farmers,” he said.

Professor Prasad also credited the Coalition Government with restoring democratic freedoms through changes to media laws.

“People now have greater freedom to express themselves. They criticise the government more openly, and there is much more public debate and criticism of government, and that is what democracy should be about,” he said.

While acknowledging the impact of rising living costs and global economic uncertainty, he said Fiji was facing the same challenges as many countries around the world.

“One thing is clear; no matter which country you live in today, you are facing the challenge of rising costs. There is no reason to panic, but we must be prepared if circumstances worsen,” he said.

Professor Prasad defended the NFP’s role in the Coalition Government, saying the party had remained principled while working constructively with its partners.

Describing the NFP as Fiji’s only truly multiracial political party, he urged members to broaden support ahead of the election.

“This is the party that will provide leadership in government; whether the next government consists of one party, two parties, or a coalition of three parties, NFP will be a significant force. That is my prediction,” he said.