SAME MINDS CANNOT FIND SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS THEY CREATED
With Prime Minister Sovaleni now out, Tonga stands at a critical moment. The pressing question for Parliament is whether re-electing the same individuals responsible for past missteps can deliver the fresh thinking needed to address the nation’s mounting challenges.
The Cost of Mismanagement: Lulutai Airline
One glaring issue is the nearly $20 million paʻanga of pensioners’ hard-earned money lost to the perpetually failing government-owned domestic airline, Lulutai. Despite widespread opposition—from Parliament, the public, and the Royal Palace—Sovaleni persisted in privatising operations without proper oversight, a move that contravened public finance laws.
After failed attempts to sell the airline to investors, Sovaleni quietly transitioned it into government ownership under the Ministry of Public Enterprises. This decision has saddled taxpayers with the airline’s liabilities, raising questions about the millions poured into the project. Compounding the controversy, the airline’s CEO, a close confidant of Sovaleni, was recently unseated for election irregularities in the last general election.
The broader issue is not just financial mismanagement but also the lack of accountability. Where did the funds go, and how will the government prevent similar debacles in the future?
Banking Sector: A Crisis of Confidence
The ongoing conflict between the Development Bank and the National Reserve Bank—Tonga’s financial regulator—has caused reputational damage to the nation’s economy. This feud between two critical public institutions undermines investor confidence and disrupts the financial sector.
Rather than intervening, Sovaleni adopted a hands-off approach, allowing the legal battle to continue unchecked. This inaction overlooked the broader economic impact, including the risk of alienating investors. Meanwhile, journalists reporting on the issue have been caught in the crossfire, raising concerns about press freedom and government accountability.
The question remains: will Tonga’s new leadership take decisive steps to resolve this feud and restore stability?
Overstepping Boundaries: Royal Prerogatives
When Sovaleni first campaigned for Prime Minister, he pledged to foster collaboration with the nobles and the Royal Palace. However, his tenure often reflected a disregard for constitutional boundaries, particularly in foreign policy matters reserved for the Crown.
Notable violations include his unilateral signing of the CEDAW Treaty and the recent Fisheries Treaty without Palace authorization. These breaches undermined Tonga’s foreign relations protocols and highlighted a troubling pattern of overreach.
Domestically, his focus on public enterprises—either selling them off or creating new ones—created uncertainty for investors and raised questions about the government’s long-term economic strategy.
Education and Ethics: A Troubling Legacy
In education, Sovaleni’s actions were equally contentious. His attempts to centralize control over church schools disrupted a major contributor to Tonga’s education system. Additionally, he unilaterally renamed the Community College as Tonga National University, appointing himself as its founder and pro-vice-chancellor. These actions, widely regarded as unethical or illegal, further eroded trust in his leadership.
Sovaleni’s tenure leaves Tonga at a crossroads. The lingering question for Parliament is whether the same leadership that created these crises can resolve them—or if fresh perspectives are needed to chart a new course for the nation.
Tonga’s challenges are not insurmountable, but they demand bold, decisive leadership. This moment offers an opportunity for Parliament to learn from past mistakes and prioritize the interests of the Tongan people above all else.
Dave Motulalo
