POLITICS

Lulutai Airlines Limited, a government-owned entity, made headlines when it sold a significant bundle of shares to the Retirement Fund Board in August 2023. This strategic move aimed to fortify the airline’s capital for acquiring a new twin otter aircraft, yet it sparked discussions about potential conflicts of interest and calls for transparency during the […]

Tonga’s Prime Minister, Siaosi Sovaleni over the week-end on X, expressed his concern regarding the ongoing developments at the University of the South Pacific (USP), especially given the significant number of Tongan students enrolled there. The situation revolves around potential strike action by USP staff unions due to unresolved issues with management. The Association of

The Prime Minister and Acting Minister for MEIDECC, Hon Hu’akavameiliku, took charge of the National Disaster Risk Management Committee (NDRMC) emergency meeting held at the National Disaster Risk Management Office today, Sunday 17th of March 2024. The focus of the meeting was to address the pressing issue of ongoing flash floods affecting various parts of

What amounts to an own goal, previous statements by Foreign Minister Fekita Utoikamanu has caused questions and concern for misrepresenting the country to the world. Recent remarks by Utoikamanu on 531pi FM in New Zealand, and expanded on by an article on Pacific Media Network, portrays Tonga’s laws are aimed as oppressing women and their

Tonga finds itself amidst a notable political narrative, shedding light on the complexities of a young democracy navigating the terrain of leadership and governance. At the core of this unfolding drama lies a clash between His Majesty (HM) King Tupou VI, represented by his Privy Council, and Prime Minister (PM) Siaosi Sovaleni, along with his

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