Cabinet of Tonga
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| Constitution |
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The Cabinet of Tonga is the
Vava'u also serve on the Cabinet ex officio. When in session and presided over by the monarch, the Cabinet is known as the Privy Council.[1]
Current Cabinet
The current Cabinet was appointed by Siaosi Sovaleni on 28 December 2021.[2] It consisted of ten elected people's representatives, one noble, and one minister outside cabinet - long-serving diplomat Fekitamoeloa ʻUtoikamanu as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism.[3] In addition, Pita Faiva Taufatofua was named Governor of Haʻapai, while Lord Fakatulolo was reappointed as Governor of Vavaʻu.[2]
Agriculture Minister Viliami Hingano died in June 2022.[4] Sione Siale Fohe was appointed to replace him on 2 August 2022.[5] The elections of Tatafu Moeaki, Poasi Tei, and Sione Sangster Saulala were declared void and they were unseated for bribery on 10 August 2022.[6][7][8]
On 1 September 2022 Lord Vaea was appointed Minister of Internal Affairs, replacing Sangster Saulala.[9] On 22 October 2022 Tiofilusi Tiueti was appointed as Minister of Finance, replacing Tatafu Moeaki.[10]
Minister of Fisheries Semisi Fakahau died on 27 October 2022.[11][12]
On 12 January 2024 Minister of Health
Siale ‘Akau’ola.[14]
| Portfolio | Minister | Constituency | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister Minister for Education & Training Minister for Police, Fire & Emergency Services Minister for His Majesty's Armed Forces |
The Hon Siaosi Sovaleni | People's representative for Tongatapu 3 |
Independent
|
| Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Communications and Climate Change Minister for Public Enterprises |
The Hon Poasi Tei | People's representative for Tongatapu 6 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Justice and Prison | The Hon Samiu Vaipulu | People's representative for Vavaʻu 15 |
Independent
|
Minister of Finance Minister for Revenue and Customs |
The Hon Tatafu Moeaki | People's representative for Tongatapu 4 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Lands and Natural Resources | Tonga Tuʻiʻafitu | Vavaʻu Nobles' constituency | None |
| Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister for Tourism |
The Hon Fekitamoeloa ʻUtoikamanu | not in Parliament | None |
| Minister for Health | The Hon Saia Piukala | People's representative for Vavaʻu 14 |
PTOA |
| Minister for Trade and Economic Development | The Hon Viliami Latu | People's representative for Vavaʻu 16 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests | The Hon Viliami Hingano | People's representative for Haʻapai 12 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Fisheries | The Hon Semisi Fakahau | People's representative for Tongatapu 8 |
PTOA |
| Minister for Internal Affairs | The Hon Sione Sangster Saulala | People's representative for Tongatapu 7 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Infrastructure | The Hon Sevenitini Toumoʻua | People's representative for Tongatapu 9 |
Independent
|
Tuʻiʻonetoa Cabinet
Tuʻiʻonetoa's Cabinet was appointed by
ʻAkilisi Pohiva in September 2019.[16]
On 25 January 2021
Sione Vuna Fa'otusia who had resigned in December 2020. Tatafu Moeaki, a non-MP, replaced Vaipulu as Minister for Trade and Economic Development.[17]
Government on 10 October 2019
| Portfolio | Minister | Constituency | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister Minister for Public Enterprises |
The Hon Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa
|
People's representative for Tongatapu 10 |
People's Party |
| Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Justice and Prison |
The Hon Sione Vuna Fa'otusia
|
People's representative for Tongatapu 7 |
People's Party |
| Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Minister for His Majesty's Armed Forces |
Lord Maʻafu | Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
Minister of Finance Minister for Revenue and Customs |
The Hon Tevita Lavemaau | People's representative for ʻEua 11 | Independent
|
| Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Communications and Climate Change |
The Hon Poasi Tei | People's representative for Tongatapu 6 |
|
| Minister for Education & Training | The Hon Dr Siaosi Sovaleni | People's representative for Tongatapu 3 |
|
| Minister for Trade and Economic Development | The Hon Samiu Vaipulu | People's representative for Vavaʻu 15 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Infrastructure and Tourism | The Hon Dr 'Akosita Lavulavu
|
People's representative for Vavaʻu 16 |
People's Party |
| Minister for Internal Affairs | The Hon Dr Vatau Hui | People's representative for Niua 17 |
People's Party |
| Minister for Police, Fire & Emergency Services | The Hon Lord Nuku | Noble's representative for 'Eua | None |
| Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries | The Hon Lord Tu’ilakepa | Noble's representative for Vava'u | None |
| Minister for Health | The Hon Dr ‘Amelia Afuha’amango Tu’ipulotu
|
not in Parliament |
Past Cabinets
Pohiva Cabinet
The previous Cabinet results from the
ʻAkilisi Pohiva, leader of the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands and long-standing leader of the movement campaigning for democracy in Tonga, was elected Prime Minister by the new Parliament on 29 December. He was supported by fifteen of the seventeen People's Representatives: all ten MPs from his party, and five of the seven independent members. Conversely, all nine Nobles' Representatives voted for his rival, Samiu Vaipulu. Pohiva thus became the first commoner in Tonga to be elected Prime Minister by a predominantly elected Parliament. He appointed the following government on 30 December. Drawing from his majority in Parliament, all of his ministers are People's Representatives, with one exception. By law, the Ministry for Land must be entrusted to a Noble, and Pohiva thus invited incumbent minister Lord Maʻafu to retain that position.[18][19][20][21] Pōhiva died on 12 September 2019 and Semisi Sika
took over as acting prime minister.
Government on 30 December 2014
| Portfolio | Minister | Constituency | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister for Education and Training |
The Hon ʻAkilisi Pōhiva | People's representative for Tongatapu 1 |
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands |
| Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Environment and Communication |
The Hon Siaosi Sovaleni | People's representative for Tongatapu 3 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Lands and Natural Resources |
Lord Maʻafu | Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
| Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries | The Hon Semisi Fakahau | People's representative for Tongatapu 8 | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands |
| Minister of Justice | The Hon Sione Vuna Fa'otusia
|
People's representative for Tongatapu 7 | Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands |
| Minister of Infrastructure and Works | The Hon ‘Etuate Lavulavu
|
People's representative for Vavaʻu 16 |
Independent
|
| Minister of Police, Tourism, Labour and Commerce | The Hon Dr Pohiva Tuʻiʻonetoa
|
People's representative for Tongatapu 10 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Internal Affairs, Women, Culture, Youth and Sports | The Hon Fe’ao Vakatā
|
People's representative for Ongo Niua 17
|
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands |
| Minister for Health | The Hon Dr Saia Piukala | People's representative for Vavaʻu 14 |
Independent
|
Minister for Finance and National Planning
|
The Hon Dr ʻAisake Eke | People's representative for Tongatapu 4 |
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands |
| Minister for Public Enterprises | The Hon Poasi Tei | People's representative for Tongatapu 6 | Independent
|
| Minister for Revenue and Customs | The Hon Tevita Lavemaau | People's representative for 'Eua 11
|
Independent
|
Tuʻivakano Cabinet
This Cabinet results from the
Clive Edwards, who were not Members of Parliament, was met with some controversy, but Tuʻivakanō defended his choice on the grounds of their experience. It also meant that the Ministry for Women's Affairs would be headed by a woman; as all members of the legislature were men, appointing a Member of Parliament to the position would have meant it being held by a man.[22]
The
Lord Tuʻivakanō's first Cabinet, announced at the beginning of January 2011, was thus the following.ʻAkilisi Pohiva (People's representative for Tongatapu 1) resigned, in protest over his party having only two Cabinet positions, and refusing to be bound by collective Cabinet responsibility.[26][27][28] He was replaced by ʻUliti Uata (DPFI, People's Representative for Haʻapai 13) on 25 January.[29]
| Portfolio | Minister | Constituency | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Defence, Minister for Information and Communication |
Lord Tuʻivakanō | Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
| Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Justice, Minister for Transport and Works |
Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
|
People's representative for Vavaʻu 15 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Lands, Survey, Natural Resources and Environment and Climate Change |
Lord Maʻafu | Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
| Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries | Lord Vaea | Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
Minister for Finance
|
Sunia Manu Fili
|
People's representative for ʻEua 11 |
Independent |
| Minister for Training, Employment, Youth and Sports | Feʻaomoeata Vakata
|
People's representative for Niuas 17
|
Independent |
| Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services | Viliami Latu | People's representative for Vavaʻu 16 |
Independent |
| Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries | Lisiate ʻAloveita ʻAkolo
|
People's representative for Vavaʻu 14 |
Independent |
| Minister for Health | ʻAkilisi Pohiva
|
People's representative for Tongatapu 1 |
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands |
| Minister for Tourism | ʻIsileli Pulu | People's representative for Tongatapu 4 |
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands |
| Minister for Revenue Services and Public Enterprises | Wiliam Clive Edwards
|
not in Parliament | People's Democratic Party |
| Minister for Education, Women Affairs and Culture | Dr. ʻAna Maui Taufeʻulungaki
|
not in Parliament | None |
On September 1, 2011, following a reshuffle which switched portfolios around without adding any new minister nor removing any, the Cabinet was as follows:[30]
| Portfolio | Minister | Constituency | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Defence, Minister for Information and Communication |
Lord Tuʻivakanō
|
Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
| Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Transport and Works |
Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
|
People's representative for Vavaʻu 15 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Lands, Survey, Natural Resources and Environment and Climate Change |
Lord Maʻafu | Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
| Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries | Lord Vaea | Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
Minister for Finance and Inland Revenue
|
Sunia Manu Fili
|
People's representative for ʻEua 11 |
Independent |
| Minister for Training, Employment, Youth and Sports | Feʻaomoeata Vakata
|
People's representative for Niuas 17
|
Independent |
| Minister for Tourism | Viliami Latu | People's representative for Vavaʻu 16 |
Independent |
| Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services | Lisiate ʻAloveita ʻAkolo
|
People's representative for Vavaʻu 14 |
Independent |
| Minister for Health | ʻUliti Uata | People's representative for Haʻapai 13 |
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands |
| Minister for Labour, Commerce and Industries | ʻIsileli Pulu | People's representative for Tongatapu 4 |
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands |
| Minister for Justice; Minister for Public Enterprises |
Wiliam Clive Edwards
|
not in Parliament | People's Democratic Party |
| Minister for Education, Women Affairs and Culture | Dr. ʻAna Maui Taufeʻulungaki
|
not in Parliament | None |
In mid-April 2012, another reshuffle was announced, to be effective from 1 May.
Sosefo Vakata, Minister for Training, Employment, Youth and Sports, would become Minister for Revenue. Lord Vaea, in addition to retaining his Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries portfolio, would take over Vakata's erstwhile ministry.[31][32] The reshuffle was implemented on 1 May.[33]
In late June, three ministers (
Lord Tuʻiʻafitu was appointed Minister for Health. The other vacated portfolios remained vacant; Matangi Tonga pointed out that "the selection is difficult because of the very few friendly members of parliament left to choose from", as the (delayed) motion of no confidence loomed.[36] On 13 July, Saulala joined the government once more, as Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Food. He argued that, although he was breaking ranks with his own party, it was the wish of his constituents.[35]
No further announcement was made until 7 January 2013, when Lord Tuʻivakanō announced the following Cabinet:[37]
| Portfolio | Minister | Constituency | Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister for Defence, Minister for Information and Communication, Acting Minister for Police, Fire Services and Prisons |
Lord Tuʻivakanō
|
Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
| Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure |
Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
|
People's representative for Vavaʻu 15 |
Independent
|
| Minister for Lands, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources |
Lord Maʻafu | Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
| Minister for Education and Training | Dr. ʻAna Maui Taufeʻulungaki
|
not in Parliament | None |
| Minister for Health | Lord Tuʻiʻafitu
|
Nobles' representative for Vavaʻu |
None |
Minister for Finance and National Planning
|
Lisiate ʻAloveita ʻAkolo
|
People's representative for Vavaʻu 14 |
Independent |
| Minister for Commerce and Tourism | Viliami Latu | People's representative for Vavaʻu 16 |
Independent |
| Minister for Internal Affairs | Lord Vaea | Nobles' representative for Tongatapu |
None |
| Minister for Justice; Minister for Public Enterprises |
Wiliam Clive Edwards
|
not in Parliament | People's Democratic Party |
| Minister for Revenue Services | Feʻaomoeata Vakata
|
People's representative for Niuas 17
|
Independent |
| Minister for Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries |
Sangster Saulala
|
People's representative for Tongatapu 7 |
Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands (dissident) |
On 2 February 2013, there was another reshuffle.
Clive Edwards, who retained his other position as Minister for Justice.[38]
On 9 January 2014, Finance Minister
Lisiate ‘Akolo was sacked after publicly criticising aspects of the budget.[39] ʻAisake Eke, Independent MP for Tongatapu 5, was appointed in his place.[40]
Sevele Cabinet
For the most part, the Cabinet below results from a reshuffle in May 2009, but
| Portfolio | Minister |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister, Minister of Communication, Mininister of Disaster Relief & Activities, Mininister of Labour, Commerce, and Industries |
Dr. Feleti Sevele |
| Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Health |
Dr. Viliami Tangi |
| Minister of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and Forestry | HSH Prince Tu'ipelehake Viliami Tupoulahi Mailefihi Tuku'aho
|
| Minister of Civil Aviation, Marine, and Ports | Paul Karalus |
| Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs |
Dr. Feleti Sevele (acting) |
| Minister of Education, Women's Affairs, and Culture | Tevita Hala Palefau |
Minister of Finance
|
Siosiua 'Utoikamanu
|
| Minister of Justice | Samiu Vaipulu |
Attorney General
|
vacant |
| Minister of Lands, Survey, Natural Resources, and Environment | Siosa'ia Ma'ulupekotofa Tuita
|
| Minister of Police, Fire Services, and Prisons | Dr. Viliami Tangi (acting) |
| Minister of Tourism | Fineasi Funaki |
| Minister of Training, Employment, Youth, and Sports | Siale'ataonga Tu'ivakano
|
| Minister of Works | Lord Nuku |
| Minister of Information and Communication | 'Eseta Fusitu'a |
| Minister of Revenue Services | Teisina Fuko
|
| Governor of Ha'apai | Malupo[45] |
| Governor of Vava'u[46] | Sonatane Tu'akinamolahi Taumoepeau Tupou
|
External links
- Cabinet of Tonga Archived 2018-10-29 at the Wayback Machine: information on the Tongan government website
References
- ^ Tonga profil, United States Department of State
- ^ a b "PM names new government". Matangi Tonga. 29 December 2021. Archived from the original on 29 December 2021. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
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- ^ "Three Cabinet Ministers unseated". Matangi Tonga. 10 August 2022. Retrieved 11 August 2022.
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- ^ "Parliament resumes, two new MPs". Matangi Tonga. 25 October 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
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- ^ "Tongan Minister for Fisheries dies". Kaniva Tonga. 27 October 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
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- ^ Kalino Latu (25 January 2021). "King appoints new Minister for Trade and Economic Development; Ha'apai has new governor". Kaniva Tonga. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
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- Radio New Zealand International. 6 January 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
- ^ "Editorial: Democracy's day one step closer in Tonga". The New Zealand Herald. 4 January 2011. Retrieved 22 September 2011.
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- ^ "Democratic Party head resigns as Tongan health minister" Archived 2012-03-14 at the Wayback Machine, Australia Network News, 14 Jan 2011
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- ^ "New Minister of Health". Matangi Tonga. 26 January 2011.
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- ^ "Tonga Prime Minister Defends Cabinet Reshuffle" Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine, Radio New Zealand International, 3 May 2012
- ^ "Three Cabinet Ministers in Tonga resign ahead of confidence motion", Radio New Zealand International, 25 June 2012
- ^ a b "Tonga opposition MP Saulala becomes government minister", Radio New Zealand International, 13 July 2012
- ^ "PM's new Cabinet short of ministers", Matangi Tonga, 9 July 2012
- ^ "Prime Minister Announced Cabinet for 2013", Matangi Tonga, 10 January 2013
- ^ "Sifa Tu'utafaiva, new Minister of Police and Revenue", Matangi Tonga, 4 February 2013
- ^ "Tonga's finance minister sacked after defying order to quit", Radio Australia, 9 January 2014
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- ^ "Vava'u MP becomes Tonga's new Justice Minister". RNZ. 10 November 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
- ^ "Tonga cabinet reshuffle" Archived 2011-05-27 at the Wayback Machine, Matangi Tonga, 5 May 2009
- ^ "Tonga's new Attorney General" Archived 2011-05-27 at the Wayback Machine, Matangi Tonga, 2 Jun 2009
- ^ "Tongan A-G resigns over government interference", Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 30 Apr 2010
- ^ "Joyful welcome for "Tu'i Ha'apai"" Archived 2009-02-17 at the Wayback Machine, Matangi Tonga, 14 Aug 2008
- ^ "The people of Hunga welcome Indian diplomat" Archived 2009-02-16 at the Wayback Machine, Matangi Tonga, 5 Jul 2008