POLITICS

The Tonga Gas Limited finds itself embroiled in controversy as three Senior officers of the company are under scrutiny for their handling of a lease negotiation in Vava’u. What started as a routine attempt to renew a lease on a piece of land has now evolved into an internal investigation, with allegations of misrepresentation and […]

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – In a recent development that has heightened political tensions in Tonga, a significant challenge has been posed to the authority of the Prime Minister and his cabinet by the noble’s representatives to the Tongan Parliament. This challenge comes in the wake of a controversial decision by His Majesty’s (HM) Privy Council.On February

Fekita ‘Utoikamanu, the nation’s Chief Diplomatic Officer, now finds herself engulfed in a whirlwind of controversy. The tempest brewed after she unlawfully dismissed one of her senior staff members for failing to heed her directives, leading to a legal judgment against her in Tonga’s high court. The government consequently bore the brunt of the fallout

The Legislative Assembly voted today to suspend Tongatapu 7 Member of Parliament, Piveni Piukala, for offending and disrespecting the Prime Minister. The Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua, prohibited Piukala from entering the Legislative Assembly or using any of its facilities or equipment for a period of 7 days. Although the maximum penalty could have

Last week, His Majesty Tupou VI announced to the Cabinet in a letter that he has withdrawn his appointment of Fekita Utoikamanu as the kingdom’s Foreign Minister and his appointment of Prime Minister Sovaleni to the Defence Ministry. After his decision, the royal entourage departed on a tour of the islands. When the decision was

In a strategic response to the ongoing political unrest in Tonga, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, along with his delegation, is set to arrive in Tonga tonight for a swift yet pivotal visit, returning tomorrow. This brief engagement underlines the urgency and significance of the visit, highlighting New Zealand’s dedication to fostering democracy

The Tonga Independent has received reliable confirmed reports that His Majesty King Tupou VI, in a recent Council decision, has revoked the appointments of the Foreign Minister and has removed the Defence Ministry portfolio from Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni. Historically, matters of state have required meticulous coordination between the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and

Tonga is facing a precarious balancing act with its substantial debts to China. After a decade of delays, renegotiations, and unsuccessful discussions, the government has started repaying its hefty loans to China. As Tonga heads towards repayment deadlines in the next five years, its debt burden is set to skyrocket, placing it among the highest

The Tongan government’s expenditure of more than $2 million on the “renovation” of the old Treasury building has raised significant concerns about its approach to architectural preservation and public fund allocation. Rather than enhancing the building’s architectural beauty and functionality, the project appears to reveal a lack of classical architectural expertise and a propensity for

In a significant development project initiated by King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, Tonga is set to welcome a new building complex on the Royal estate “Polata’ane.” Announced by the Tonga Development Bank (TDB) .The project is not just a construction endeavour but a symbol of rejuvenation and economic boost for the country. Located on