Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced new initiatives for 2026, including a strategic review of peacekeeping efforts, including returning peacekeepers to assist police in addressing the increasing levels of serious crime, reviewing the current financial year framework and a possible mini-budget.
In his New Year’s message, the Prime Minister acknowledged the 165 members of the final contingent of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces First Battalion, Fiji Infantry Regiment, who have returned home after serving with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq.
He says as these peacekeepers reintegrate into civilian life, government will strategically redeploy suitably trained returning personnel in support of roles and under proper legal and ministerial oversight to assist the Fiji Police Force in addressing the increasing levels of serious crime.
Rabuka also confirms that the government through the Ministry of Defence is reviewing the peacekeeping strategy and adds that Fiji will continue to stand for peace, and our peacekeeping footprint speaks for itself.
He also says that Fiji faces serious challenges from illicit drugs and violent crimes and this government will not tolerate criminal networks that profit from destroying lives.
Rabuka has also commended the Commissioner of Police and the dedicated men and women of the Fiji Police Force for their determination in restoring safety and public confidence.
He has noted the interest expressed by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in supporting this national effort.
Rabuka says with appropriate ministerial guidance, collaboration between the Police Force and the RFMF will further strengthen their response, and this government will support such cooperation where necessary.
The leader of the government says the RFMF and the Fiji Navy will operate with our regional partners to deter, disrupt, and dismantle criminal syndicates, crime networks, and their business model.
Rabuka has also highlighted that to strengthen fiscal discipline and to enhance transparency and improve cash flow management, government will review the current financial year framework.
He says the timing of our national fiscal period must be strategically aligned to support effective budgeting and planning, accurate revenue forecasting, and to strengthen our coordination of efforts with other key stakeholders and development partners.
The Prime Minister says this transition will be closely coordinated with the Ministry of Finance and other key stakeholders to determine the timing and structure of any transitional arrangements, including the potential presentation of a mini-budget to bridge the existing 2025-2026 budget period and any revised financial year framework prior to the adoption of a new financial year calendar.
He stresses this proposed transition will ensure that government is better positioned to respond to unprecedented external global shocks, natural disasters, and emerging challenges with timely and proactive measures that safeguard our nation's development.
While also acknowledging the continued pressure of rising cost of living on many households, Rabuka says the recent adjustment of electricity tariffs have understandably caused concern.
He is assuring everyone that these decisions were not taken lightly and were necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability, reliability, and expansion of our national power supply, including investment in renewable energy and rural electrification.
The Prime Minister says a stable energy sector is essential for growth, jobs, and national resilience.
He says to help families cope, they are actively promoting backyard agriculture and small-scale farming; encouraging households, schools, and communities to grow their own food and strengthens food security to reduce household expenses, and lower Fiji's reliance on imported food.
The Prime Minister is also encouraging all those who were witnesses to, or survivors of, our political upheavals in 1987, 2000, and 2006 to come forward and share their stories.
He says their voices matter, truth is essential for healing, healing is essential for unity, and unity is essential for progress.
While highlighting the rising HIV cases and violence against women and girls, Rabuka says while government will continue to lead, success in these areas requires a whole-of-nation approach involving families, community leaders, faith organisations, schools, civil societies, and supporting bodies.
The Prime Minister is urging Fijians to promote kindness, respect, and restraint both online and offline, highlighting the harmful effects of cyberbullying, harassment, and misinformation, particularly on young people, and stressed that debate and disagreement should never turn into abuse.
He adds that let us carry into this new year faith, which gives us strength, hope, which fuels our effort, love for one another, which binds us as one people.
Rabuka says when we hold fast to these values, there is no challenge that we cannot overcome and together, we will keep moving Fiji forward with unity, courage, and purpose under Almighty God, in whom we live and move and have our being.
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