POLITICS

On August 22, 2023, the office of the Speaker of the Tonga House of Parliament received a significant petition, marking a potential turning point in the nation’s political landscape. The document presented a motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni. Spearheaded by Dr. Aisake Valu Eke, the People’s Representative for Tongatapu […]

Introduction The chaos in the Solomon Islands is caused by just one ethnic group, M4D (Malaita for Democracy). They claim they stand for democracy but will threaten anyone who does not agree with their views.  Innocent lives have already ruined because of this unacceptable chaos.  In the case of Tonga as a result of the

Tonga has made significant strides in rebounding from the dual shocks of a volcanic eruption and tsunami that rocked the country in early 2022. The economy’s recovery has been driven by robust domestic demand and a resurgence in tourism following the reopening of borders. However, beneath this encouraging recovery lies a set of formidable challenges

In a startling revelation, the former Finance Minister and Parliament member, Dr. Aisake Eke, has contradicted the Prime Minister’s recent statements regarding the 2023-24 budget. At a press conference on 28th July, the Prime Minister claimed that there was no budget deficit due to the government’s successful cost management strategies, with surplus funds being allocated

Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, was present in Tonga for bilateral discussions on Wednesday 26 July 2023. In a meeting with Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, they conversed on deepening bilateral ties. China – the elephant in the room – wasn’t touched upon in their introductory remarks at the joint press conference but subsequently took the

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – In a recent court case that captured attention due to its implications for the public service sector, the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emerged victorious as the court ruled in her favour. The case revolved around the lawfulness of the Commission’s decisions to initiate disciplinary action and suspend her

In a recent interview with Tonga Independent, Piukala, a member of the Opposition in Parliament, expressed confidence in their ability to secure a Vote of No Confidence Motion against Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni’s leadership. Piukala argues that there is a significant level of dissatisfaction and irregularities, which can be seen as a euphemism for corruption,

For the past two to three years, the Tongan community has been relentlessly pursuing its mission to convince the New Zealand government to issue amnesty for overstayers – individuals who exceed their visa’s expiry and continue to stay in the host country. Despite their tireless efforts, the community acknowledges that the quest for amnesty may

Ko e tuai e kemo ‘a e mahino ‘a e fili si’i ‘a Tongatapu 10 kuo ikuna ‘e he Kapeli Lanumata mei he paati ‘a e PTOA, kuo ‘asi mai ‘a e nga’unu ‘i he kau fili tau’ataina he fili lahi kuo ‘ikai ‘iai hanau lakanga Minisitaa pea mo e kau poupou ‘a e PTOA,

ANTHONY Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States of America, will be making a historic visit to Tonga, a first for a US Secretary of State, on a short regional island-hop en route to New Zealand and Australia. Blinken will be in Tonga to officiate the opening of the new US Embassy in