Frank Bainimarama

Frank Bainimarama

Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama (born 27 April 1954) is a Fijian politician and former military officer who has served as Prime Minister of Fiji since 2007. He is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. Bainimarama seized power in a military coup in 2006, deposing the elected government of Laisenia Qarase. He was subsequently appointed interim Prime Minister by President Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda, and was elected Prime Minister in the 2007 general election.

Bainimarama's government has implemented a number of reforms, including the abolition of the Great Council of Chiefs, the adoption of a new constitution, and the introduction of free education and healthcare. He has also been a vocal critic of Australia and New Zealand, accusing them of interfering in Fiji's internal affairs.

Bainimarama's tenure as Prime Minister has been controversial. He has been accused of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement. However, he remains a popular figure among many Fijians, who credit him with bringing stability and economic growth to the country.

Early life and military career

Bainimarama was born in Kiuva, Tailevu, Fiji. He is the son of Ratu Jolame Bainimarama, a chief of the Lau Islands, and Adi Litia Bainimarama, a teacher. Bainimarama was educated at Ratu Kadavulevu School, a prestigious boarding school for Fijian boys. After graduating from high school, he joined the Fiji Military Forces.

Bainimarama rose through the ranks of the military, eventually becoming Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in 1999. He served in this position until 2006, when he seized power in a military coup.

Coup and interim government

In December 2006, Bainimarama led a military coup that deposed the elected government of Laisenia Qarase. Bainimarama accused Qarase's government of corruption and mismanagement, and said that he was acting in the best interests of the Fijian people.

Bainimarama was subsequently appointed interim Prime Minister by President Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda. He promised to hold elections within two years, but later reneged on this promise. In 2009, he announced that elections would be held in 2014.

Bainimarama's interim government implemented a number of reforms, including the abolition of the Great Council of Chiefs, the adoption of a new constitution, and the introduction of free education and healthcare. He also cracked down on dissent, arresting and detaining political opponents.

Elections and second term

In 2014, Bainimarama led the FijiFirst Party to victory in the general election. He was sworn in as Prime Minister on 11 September 2014.

Bainimarama's second term has been marked by continued economic growth and stability. However, he has also faced criticism for his authoritarian rule and his failure to address human rights concerns.

In 2018, Bainimarama announced that he would step down as Prime Minister in 2022.

Personal life

Bainimarama is married to Mary Bainimarama, a former air hostess. They have four children.

Bainimarama is a keen sportsman and enjoys playing rugby and golf. He is also a fan of cricket and soccer.

Controversies

Bainimarama's tenure as Prime Minister has been controversial. He has been accused of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement.

Bainimarama has been criticized for his crackdown on dissent. In 2009, he declared a state of emergency and imposed censorship on the media. He has also arrested and detained political opponents.

Bainimarama has also been accused of human rights abuses. In 2007, his government deported New Zealand citizen Russell Hunter, who was critical of Bainimarama's regime. Hunter was subsequently denied entry to Fiji.

Bainimarama has also been criticized for his economic policies. His government has been accused of borrowing too much money and of mismanaging the economy. In 2015, Fiji's economy contracted by 0.5%.

Conclusion

Frank Bainimarama is a controversial figure. He is a strong leader who has brought stability and economic growth to Fiji. However, he has also been accused of authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement. It remains to be seen how history will judge his legacy.