Laisenia Qarase | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Qarase in 2004 | |
| Prime Minister of Fiji | |
| In office 16 March 2001 – 5 December 2006 | |
| President | Josefa Iloilo |
| Deputy | Tupeni Baba Epeli Nailatikau Teimumu Kepa |
| Preceded by | Tevita Momoedonu |
| Succeeded by | Jona Senilagakali |
| In office 4 July 2000 – 14 March 2001 | |
| President | Ratu Josefa Iloilovatu Uluivuda |
| Deputy | Epeli Nailatikau |
| Preceded by | Vacant |
| Succeeded by | Tevita Momoedonu |
| Member for Lau | |
| In office 2001–2006 | |
| Preceded by | Koila Nailatikau |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 February 1941 Vanua Balavu, Colony of Fiji |
| Died | 21 April 2020 (aged 79) Suva, Fiji |
| Political party | Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua |
| Spouse | Leba Qarase (?–2020; his death) |
| Children | 5 |
Laisenia Qarase (pronounced [lai̯seni̯a ŋɡaˈrase]; 4 February 1941 – 21 April 2020)[1] was a Fijian politician. He served as the sixth Prime Minister of Fiji from 2000 to 2006. After the military quashed the coup that led to the removal of Mahendra Chaudhry, Qarase joined the Interim Military Government as a financial adviser on 9 June 2000, until his appointment as Prime Minister on 4 July. He won two parliamentary elections, but a military coup removed him from power on 5 December 2006. He was later imprisoned on corruption charges brought by the military-backed regime.
A native of Vanua Balavu Island in the Lau archipelago, he was one of many Lauans to have held top leadership positions in Fiji.
- ^ "Laisenia Qarase, former Fiji PM bookended by coups, dies at 79". RNZ. 21 April 2020. Archived from the original on 22 April 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2020.