POLITICS

The sudden resignation of Lord Tu’i’afitu, Tonga’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has unveiled deep-seated tensions between the monarchy, the government, and the sensitive issue of land administration. While the official reasons for his departure remain unclear, it appears to be the culmination of several contentious incidents, including cabinet pressure and royal dissatisfaction. This […]

The Prime Minister has formally requested an extension from the Speaker to submit his response to the Motion of No Confidence. Initially due by 12 noon on Friday, November 29, 2024, the new deadline is set for 12 noon on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The motion was originally scheduled to be tabled on Tuesday, December

The storm clouds of political uncertainty loom large over the corridors of Tongan politics as Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Sovaleni braces for a second Vote of No Confidence in as many years. Scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, this parliamentary showdown has become a litmus test for Sovaleni’s leadership and his government’s capacity to navigate growing

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

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

By Jessica Finau, Financial Correspondent The Tonga Development Bank (TDB) will soon release its highly anticipated 2023 Annual Report, a move that comes after increasing concerns among parliamentarians and the public over delays in receiving updated financial information. The Finance Minister ,Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti confirmed during a parliamentary session last week that the report would

During the recent Pacific Island Forum held in Tonga, the country’s Foreign Affairs secretaries scrambled to cancel a secret invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to insiders. The cancellation was reportedly ordered by Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, who also chaired this year’s Pacific Island Forum—the quadrennial summit for the 14 small island nations

The National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government’s promise to deliver $16 billion in income tax cuts without slashing frontline public services crumbled in the face of a harsh winter of discontent. Health, education, and child protection systems in Aotearoa were pushed to the brink, exposing the stark reality behind the government’s austerity measures.Decades of underfunding, particularly in

By Edwin Liava’a 21 July 2024 The recent Starlink shutdown in Tonga, while a setback, has also sparked a crucial conversation about the future of connectivity in our nation. As I wrote in my previous blog post, the government’s decision to delay the approval of SpaceX Starlink’s commercial license raised concerns about its commitment to

By Edwin LiavaaBlockchain Wiz/IT Expert/Telecom Specialist The Starlink Shutdown in Tonga: A Tale of Conflicting Interests and Citizen Awareness Today’s press conference by the Tonga Prime Minister shed further light on the ongoing Starlink shutdown controversy. His remarks, however, raised more questions about the true motivations behind the decision to block the satellite-based internet service.