“They’re not the Prime Minister, I am” — PM to reshuffle critics

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has slammed public criticisms on the Cabinet reshuffle, reiterating the existence of a leadership structure led by his Coalition Government.

“They’re not the Government,” he told this masthead last night following his official statement on the Cabinet reshuffle.

“They’re not the Prime Minister, I am,” he said.

Mr Rabuka’s statement, released on the official Fiji Government Facebook page, drew immediate public criticism, with many questioning the stability of the Government and the reassignment of portfolios to certain ministers.

This is the third time the Prime Minister has announced a Cabinet reshuffle in three years since taking office.

But he is optimistic that the changes would help effectively deliver Government services.

Mr Rabuka said he had faith in his Cabinet Ministers, who were reassigned new portfolios, to execute their duties.

“We have been delivering services expected of us. We just want to make it more streamlined,” he said.

“It’s also because I want to free up on my portfolios, giving up foreign affairs, external trade, public enterprise, I will focus on civil service.”

The changes come into effect from January 19, 2026.