Inia Seruiratu Says Broken Promises Are Eroding Public Trust in Fiji’s Leadership

Fiji’s opposition leader Inia Seruiratu says unfulfilled promises, higher living costs and concerns about public services are weakening confidence in the country’s leadership. He has urged those in power to focus more closely on people’s welfare and take responsibility for their record. Seruiratu said families were under pressure from the cost of food, housing, transport and electricity. He also pointed to uncertainty among young people about finding work, describing the strain of meeting everyday expenses as a continuing source of anxiety for many households. In his assessment, weakened public confidence was tied to questions of leadership and accountability. Seruiratu argued that citizens should be able to expect governments to deliver on commitments and manage public funds responsibly, rather than leave promises unmet. He called for stronger accountability and sounder economic management, alongside investment in industries capable of supporting lasting employment. The sectors he identified included agriculture, manufacturing, fisheries, renewable energy and digital industries, as well as efforts to revive Fiji’s sugar industry. Seruiratu also cautioned against placing too much reliance on a narrow range of economic sectors. He said Fiji needed leadership able to rebuild public trust, reinforce institutions and widen opportunities across communities. His remarks put the focus on household pressures and the government’s delivery of essential services, with a call for political leaders to assess their performance against the expectations of ordinary Fijians.