Tonga Independent News

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Lord Fakafanua: Betraying Trust, Undermining Tonga’s Democracy

Lord Fakafanua holds one of the most critical roles in Tonga’s governance. Entrusted with upholding the Constitution, protecting the dignity of Parliament, and ensuring decisions align with the nation’s best interests, the Speaker is expected to operate with impartiality and integrity. However, recent actions by Lord Fakafanua suggest a troubling departure from these responsibilities, undermining […]

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Opinion: The Prime Minister’s Overreach: Why Parliament Needs Reform

The current structure of Tonga’s Parliament has allowed for the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual, undermining efforts for democratic reform that have been supported by both royal and popular acclaim. Democratic reform is about ensuring that no individual holds disproportionate influence over the legislative or executive branches. It advocates for

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COP29: Will Azerbaijan’s Leadership Address the Pacific’s Climate Crisis or Just More Empty Promises?

As Azerbaijan steps into the climate diplomacy spotlight to host COP29, it’s easy to wonder if this summit will bring real progress for the Pacific or just more empty pledges. For island nations like Tonga, the stakes are critical: we face rising seas, intensifying storms, and, ultimately, an existential threat to our homelands. But with

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Australia Strikes Deal with ANZ to Boost Pacific Banking, Counter China’s Growing Influence

Australia is finalizing an agreement with ANZ Group to retain the bank’s Pacific branches, a strategic move designed to support regional financial stability amid rising competition from China. This arrangement comes as Pacific Island nations face significant reductions in banking access due to closures by Western banks. In particular, ANZ’s Pacific network, the largest in

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New Hope for Tonga’s Health Crisis, but Can Aid Truly Drive Long-Term Change?

Vava’u, Tonga — The World Bank has just approved a transformative $30 million grant for Tonga’s Health Enhancement and Resiliency in Tonga (HEART) Project, targeting the island nation’s high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease. With almost 80% of all deaths in Tonga attributed to NCDs, the project represents a lifeline

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Tali ‘Eiki Fakamaau Lahi ke malu’i kitu’a ‘Ofisa Kasitomu mo e ‘Ofisa Sela tukuaki’i ki he huu mai faito’o konatapu kilo 3

Kuo tali ‘e he ‘Eiki Fakamaau Lahi ‘a Tonga, ke malu’i kitu’a ‘a e ‘ofisa Sela ko Silika Asa Tonga pea mo e ‘ofisa Kasitomu ko Uinikoni Kivalu, ‘o tali ai ke toki fakahoko ‘ena hopo. Na’e puke he kau Polisi ‘a e ongo ‘ofisa ngaue fakapule’anga, ko e tukuaki’i kinaua ki he ngaue’aki ‘i

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Tonga Power Limited (TPL): A Struggle for Stability Amidst Management Challenges and Public Dissatisfaction

Tonga Power Limited (TPL) has been at the centre of public frustration due to a series of management struggles, service interruptions, and skyrocketing electricity costs. Over the past few years, TPL’s operational challenges have deeply affected the quality of life for Tongans, with service disruptions and high prices creating widespread dissatisfaction.   One of the

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Opinion: Tonga’s Reliance on External Aid Under Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni – A Missed Opportunity for Economic Self-Sufficiency?

During Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni’s tenure, Tonga faced some of the most challenging crises in recent memory: the devastating Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, a destructive tsunami, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government’s immediate response centred on securing international aid to stabilize the economy and meet urgent recovery needs, which was

Opinion: Tonga’s Reliance on External Aid Under Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni – A Missed Opportunity for Economic Self-Sufficiency? Read More »