Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to democratic governance, economic growth, and national unity in a parliamentary address responding to the President’s opening speech for the 2026 session.
Rabuka told Parliament this morning that “Fiji cannot and must not lose sight of democracy,” stressing that the nation’s existence rests on accountable governance and respect for democratic principles.
He delivered his address after being invited by the Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko, to move a motion thanking the President, Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, for his speech delivered on 16 February.
“Democracy thrives where governance is accountable. That is the standard we set for ourselves — a standard we must uphold,” Rabuka said, highlighting the government’s focus on transparency, fairness, and public trust.
The Prime Minister outlined Fiji’s National Development Plan 2025–2029 and Vision 2050, emphasising the government’s ambition to raise annual economic growth to six per cent by 2050.
Key initiatives include advancing partnerships with the United States through a Memorandum of Understanding to access funding under the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which will support strategic infrastructure projects, enhance resilience, and promote inclusive growth.
Rabuka said reforms of the civil service are central to strengthening democratic institutions. The Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Ministry of Civil Service, and Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management will be included in the first phase of a comprehensive Functional Review.
By September 2026, all permanent secretaries are expected to sign performance agreements. Reforms will also introduce flexible working hours, strategic workforce plans, and AI-focused training programmes across the civil service.
He highlighted a five-year National Strategic Human Resource Plan to align workforce development with national priorities and labour market realities, noting the importance of building a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Rabuka also spotlighted major national projects, including the Nadi Flood Alleviation Project to strengthen climate resilience, and a Regional Training Centre and Demonstration Farm in Ra, aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture, food security, and youth employment.
The Prime Minister stressed that inclusive development and accountable governance are mutually reinforcing. “Fiji’s strength lies in its diversity,” he said, pointing to the country’s multiethnic population, including iTaukei, Rotumans, Indo-Fijians, Banabans, Chinese, Pacific Islanders, and other residents. He said policies must be equitable, culturally respectful, and nationally unifying to foster stability, investor confidence, and long-term growth.
Concluding his address, Rabuka called on lawmakers to commit to service, unity, and democratic principles, framing these initiatives as essential to Fiji’s long-term stability, prosperity, and regional leadership.
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