Parliament has unanimously approved a 20 per cent reduction in salaries for the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Assistant Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition and all Members of Parliament, following a heated debate over how far leaders should go to share the burden of rising fuel prices.

The decision came after the Opposition’s attempt to increase the cut to 50 percent was defeated on the floor of Parliament.

In his right of reply, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu said his side had entered the debate in good faith and was prepared to support the government’s original proposal.

“We came here in good faith… we were willing to totally support the 20 per cent,” he said.

However, he defended the push for deeper cuts, arguing that stronger sacrifice was needed from leaders.

Seruiratu adds he would not pressure members to support the amendment, saying MPs should vote according to their conscience.

The amendment to raise the salary reduction from 20 per cent to 50 per cent was put to a voice vote but failed to secure enough support.

Following its defeat, Parliament moved to vote on the original motion put forward by the Prime Minister.

The approved measure will see a 20 per cent cut applied to the base salaries of all parliamentarians for the duration of the current fuel price situation.

Earlier in the debate, government MPs stressed that the motion was about national leadership and unity during a time of economic pressure.

The government has maintained that the temporary pay cut is part of broader efforts to respond to global fuel price increases and demonstrate solidarity with ordinary Fijians facing rising living costs.

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