Opposition Leader slams Cabinet expansion

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has condemned Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision to appoint two additional Assistant Ministers, saying the move further expands an already “bloated Cabinet” and adds unnecessary strain on taxpayers.

Mr Seruiratu said the appointment of Sachida Nand as Assistant Minister for Public Enterprises and Shalen Kumar as Assistant Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs was “a reckless move that demonstrates how far this Government has drifted from the realities faced by ordinary Fijians.”

He said each new ministerial position carries significant costs, from salaries and allowances to vehicles, offices, and support staff, at a time when those resources could be better directed to public priorities such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and easing the cost-of-living crisis.

“This Government is now operating with 23 Ministers and 14 Assistant Ministers, alongside only three non-ministerial members on the Government benches,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“That means 93 per cent of Cabinet — the equivalent of 37 Ministers and Assistant Ministers — form part of the Executive, while just three members are left to focus on legislative responsibilities. Such an imbalance undermines parliamentary democracy and weakens the vital checks and balances between the Executive and the Legislature.”

The Opposition Leader said the decision to enlarge Cabinet amid rising debt and economic pressures showed “a blatant disregard for prudent financial management” and a lack of confidence in the Government’s current leadership team.

“Instead of demonstrating fiscal discipline and leading by example, this Government continues to grow in size while ordinary Fijians tighten their belts,” he said.
“This expansion is not only irresponsible, it’s a clear sign of inefficiency, poor planning, and waning confidence in the capabilities of its existing ministers.”

Mr Seruiratu said the move raises serious questions about the state of public finances and the Prime Minister’s priorities.

“The Opposition strongly condemns this decision and calls on the Prime Minister to explain why such an inflated Executive is necessary, and why taxpayers should have to foot the bill for more political appointments when the country is struggling,” he said.

" Fiji deserves a government that is lean, efficient, and accountable — not one that continues to put politics ahead of people.”