Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to democracy, economic reform and national unity in his response to the Presidential address at the opening of the 2026 session of Parliament.
Speaking in Parliament Monday, Rabuka said the President’s speech reflected the national direction of Government.
“The address reflects not only the programme of Government, but the aspirations of our people — for unity, stability, prosperity, and above all, a mature democracy, and as he said (and I quote); ‘This address reflects the aspirations of our people, and the collective responsibility of the Arms of Government, to serve the National Interest, and work towards the continued wellbeing of our fellow citizens.’”
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of democracy and national unity.
“Unity is not merely the absence of disagreement. It is about the greater good. It is trust, loyalty, solidarity, and respect.”
Rabuka warned that democracy must be protected.
“We cannot and must not lose sight of democracy. We need to cherish and value it. It is in this system of government, that our existence as a nation and people rests,” Rabuka told Parliament.
He said democratic governance ensures the rights and dignity of all citizens.
“The rights and dignity of our people, the freedom to choose, to express ourselves and move about are only possible in an environment of Democracy.”
Rabuka also outlined the Government’s development strategy under the National Development Plan 2025–2029.
“The vision articulated by His Excellency is firmly embedded in our National Development Plan 2025–2029, aligned to Vision 2050, and guided by the theme: ‘Empowering the People of Fiji through Unity.’”
He said the plan focuses on economic resilience, people empowerment and good governance.
“The Plan is anchored on three strategic pillars: Economic Resilience — to drive sustainable growth, productivity, job creation, and shock-readiness; People Empowerment — to ensure development translates into better services, stronger human capital, safer communities, and expanded opportunity; and Good Governance — to uphold transparency, integrity, accountability, and public trust.”
Rabuka said Government aims to increase Fiji’s economic growth target.
“Government is equally mindful that sustaining our national development ambitions requires a step-change in our economic performance.”
He added that the Government intends to move Fiji toward high-income status.
“Our strategic objective is mobilising Fiji to move from a low-income nation to a high-income Nation status – by lifting the national growth target to 6 percent annual growth by 2050, from the 3.4 percent we now have.”
Rabuka said improving the business environment would be a priority.
“The agencies involved in the business approval process will, as a matter of priority and urgency, streamline this process to remove bottlenecks and duplications and/or put in place necessary components of the system to facilitate seamless and efficient clearance of business registration and start-ups.”
He also highlighted the importance of partnerships with international partners, including the World Bank Group and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
Rabuka said governance reforms and public sector accountability would remain central to the Government’s agenda.
“Accountability is the backbone of good governance.”
He said reforms will include stronger performance monitoring within the civil service.
“By 30 September 2026, all Permanent Secretaries will be subject to stringent performance evaluation.”
Rabuka said Fiji’s development depends on investing in its people.
“Fiji’s greatest assets are its people.”
He said Government is developing a five-year national strategic human resource plan.
“With a youthful labour force comprising nearly 70 percent young Fijians, we hold enormous demographic potential.”
Rabuka urged Members of parliament to unite and committed to democratic principles.
“As we look to the years ahead, let us recommit ourselves to: Service above self. Unity above division. Nation above politics. Democracy above expediency,” said PM Rabuka.
