PM Rabuka Urges Fiji to Cherish and Protect Democracy

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has urged the nation to cherish and protect democracy, saying Fiji must never lose sight of the system of government that underpins the country’s stability and future.

Speaking in Parliament this morning, Rabuka said democracy remains the foundation on which Fiji’s existence as a nation rests, stressing that accountable governance is essential for the system to function effectively.

The Prime Minister delivered his address after being invited by the Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko, to speak following the motion thanking the President for his opening address to Parliament.

The President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who holds the chiefly title Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau, had officially opened Parliament’s 2026 Sitting Session on 16 February.

Supporting the motion in Parliament, Rabuka said Fiji must continue to value democracy and the accountability it demands from those in leadership.

“Fiji cannot and must not lose sight of democracy,” he said. “It is in this system of government that our existence as a nation and people rests.”

He added that democracy thrives when governance remains accountable to the people and said that maintaining this standard must remain a priority for the country’s leadership.

During his address, the Prime Minister also highlighted a number of key national priorities and initiatives being pursued by the Government. These include a long-term target of achieving six percent economic growth by 2050 and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Government that will allow Fiji to access funding under the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

Rabuka also confirmed that the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, the Ministry of Civil Service, and the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management will be included in the first phase of a Comprehensive Functional Review of the Fiji Civil Service.

The review is expected to support broader reforms across the public service, including the introduction of performance agreements for Permanent Secretaries by September 2026, the implementation of flexible working hours, strategic workforce planning and AI-focused training programmes across the civil service.

The Prime Minister also outlined plans for the development of a five-year National Strategic Human Resource Plan, aimed at aligning workforce development with national priorities and labour market demands.

He also referenced major national projects currently underway, including the Nadi Flood Alleviation Project and the establishment of a Regional Training Centre and Demonstration Farm in Ra, which are expected to contribute to Fiji’s long-term economic and development goals.

Rabuka said the Government remains focused on strengthening governance, improving public service performance and ensuring the country continues to develop in a way that benefits all Fijians.