Frank Bainimarama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rear Admiral the Honourable
Frank Bainimarama
CF (MIL), OStJ, MSD
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Bainimarama in 2014
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| Prime Minister of Fiji | |
| In office 22 September 2014 – 24 December 2022 |
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| President |
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| Preceded by | Jona Senilagakali (2007; acting) |
| Succeeded by | Sitiveni Rabuka |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 24 December 2022 – 8 March 2023 |
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| Prime Minister | Sitiveni Rabuka |
| Preceded by | Naiqama Lalabalavu |
| Succeeded by | Inia Seruiratu |
| Minister for Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 16 April 2020 – 24 December 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Inia Seruiratu |
| Succeeded by | Sitiveni Rabuka |
| Leader of FijiFirst | |
| In office 31 March 2014 – 7 June 2024 |
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| President of Fiji | |
| In office 5 December 2006 – 4 January 2007 |
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| Prime Minister | Jona Senilagakali |
| Preceded by | Josefa Iloilo |
| Succeeded by | Josefa Iloilo |
| In office 29 May 2000 – 13 July 2000 |
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| Prime Minister | Laisenia Qarase |
| Preceded by | Kamisese Mara |
| Succeeded by | Josefa Iloilo |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama
27 April 1954 Kiuva, Colony of Fiji |
| Political party | FijiFirst (2014–2024) |
| Spouse | Maria Makitalena |
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | Meli Bainimarama (brother) |
| Alma mater | Dalhousie University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Dominion of Fiji (until 1987) Fiji (since 1987) |
| Branch/service |  Republic of Fiji Navy |
| Years of service | 1975–2014 |
| Rank |  Rear admiral |
| ^ a: Acting: 5 January 2007 – 22 September 2014 |
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Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, often known as Frank Bainimarama, is a Fijian politician and former naval officer. He served as the Prime Minister of Fiji for many years, from 2007 to 2022. He started his career in the Fijian Navy and later became the Commander of Fiji's military forces. He also founded the FijiFirst political party in 2014.
Bainimarama played a central role in Fiji's government for over 15 years. After the 2022 election, he served as the Leader of the Opposition. He resigned from Parliament in March 2023, ending his career in politics.
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Early Life and Military Career
Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama was born in the village of Kiuva in Fiji. After finishing his education at Marist Brothers High School, he decided to join the military.
In 1975, Bainimarama enlisted in the Fijian Navy. He was a dedicated officer and quickly moved up through the ranks. He trained in other countries, including Australia, Chile, and the United States, which gave him a lot of experience.
He became the commander of several naval ships and was known for his leadership skills. By 1988, he was promoted to commander and became the head of the Fijian Navy. He continued his training around the world, studying topics like maritime security and disaster management.
Commander of the Military
In 1999, Bainimarama was named the Commander of all of Fiji's Armed Forces. This was the highest position in the country's military. In this role, he was responsible for the nation's security. He retired from the military in 2014 and was given the rank of rear admiral to honor his long service.
A Time of Change in Fiji
The 2000 Government Crisis
In May 2000, Fiji faced a serious crisis. A group of armed men entered the Parliament building and took the Prime Minister and other leaders hostage. This created a lot of uncertainty in the country.
As the head of the military, Bainimarama stepped in to restore order. He formed a temporary military government to manage the situation and negotiate with the group. After 56 days, the hostages were released. A new civilian government was then put in place to lead the country.
Taking Leadership in 2006
By 2006, Bainimarama had strong disagreements with the government, led by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. Bainimarama believed that some of the government's policies were unfair and were dividing the people of Fiji.
He gave the Prime Minister a list of demands for change, but the government did not agree to them. In December 2006, Bainimarama took control of the government. He later became the interim (temporary) Prime Minister in 2007.
Years as Prime Minister
As Fiji's leader, Bainimarama said his main goal was to create a more united and equal nation. He wanted to remove laws that he felt treated different groups of people unfairly. He often spoke about building a "non-racial" Fiji where every citizen had the same opportunities.
Winning Elections
Bainimarama promised to return Fiji to a democracy with elections. In 2014, he started a new political party called FijiFirst.
- 2014 Election: FijiFirst won the general election, and Bainimarama officially became the Prime Minister of Fiji.
- 2018 Election: His party won again, and he began his second term as Prime Minister.
During his time in office, he also served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and other roles.
End of Term and Resignation
In the 2022 Fijian general election, FijiFirst won the most seats but not enough to form a government on its own. Other parties joined together to form a new government. After 16 years, Bainimarama's time as the country's leader came to an end. He was succeeded as Prime Minister by Sitiveni Rabuka.
After the election, Bainimarama took on the role of Leader of the Opposition. However, in March 2023, he announced his resignation from Parliament, officially ending his long career in public service.
Personal Life
Bainimarama is married to Maria Makitalena, and they have six children. He is a big sports fan, especially of rugby union. In 2014, he became the president of the Fiji Rugby Union.
See also
In Spanish: Frank Bainimarama para niños
- Qoliqoli Bill
- People's Charter for Change and Progress
- List of foreign ministers in 2017
- List of current foreign ministers
- Office of the Prime Minister
