Tongan MP Siaosi Sovaleni Photo: RNZI / Koro Vaka'uta
The nine noble MPs in Tonga are urging Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni and Foreign Minister Fekita 'Utoikamanu to vacate their ministerial portfolios in respect of King Tupou VI.
It comes a month after the King expressed his loss of confidence in them holding these ministerial portfolios. No reason was given for the King's decision, leaving it open to public speculation.
PM Hu'akavameiliku holds the portfolio of Defense Minister whilst 'Utoikamanu holds two portfolios, that of Foreign Affairs and Tourism.
RNZ Pacific Tonga correspondent Kalafi Moala said there appears to be a power clash over the roles - traditionally held by the monarchy.
"I guess what's happened is that the Prime Minister wants those two ministries to be taken off from the hands of the active execution of the Head of State so that the foreign affairs activities are run by the government, so that the defence and so on are under the jurisdiction of the government," Moala said.
Celebrations for King Tupou VI of Tonga's coronation Photo: RNZ/Indira Moala
The episode has sparked public debate about the relationship between the Tonga's monarchy and the government.
All nine MPs are Noble Representatives, elected to parliament by Tonga's lords and chiefs. There are a total of 26 seats in Parliament with nine reserved for nobles (Tonga's equivalent of the UK's House of Lords).
Moala said its no surprise that the noble representatives have not confronted the King, as their status is tied to monarchy.
"The nobles will of course always take the side of the monarchy," Moala said.
"The very existence of the nobles is according to the will of the monarchy so in Parliament, they will always go out of the way to support what ever comes out of the Palace Office."
According to Matangi Tonga Online, noble representative Lord Tu'ivakano read out a letter on behalf of the noble representatives. The letter which had been sent to the PM on 26 February demanded a response within one day. It read:
"There was a meeting of us the representatives of the Nobles to Parliament on 23 February 2024, and we confirm that the response by yourself and your Government, and that nothing was done with the [Privy Council Decision] 17/2024, it stirred concern and it sparked concern about peace in the country.
"We, the Nobles, are the 'aofivala, protective of His Majesty, therefore, we propose to you and your government to respect the decision of His Majesty. He has removed his trust, and is no longer in favour of [the PM's] appointment as a Minister of His Majesty's Army, and the same with Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and of Tourism.
"We advise you at this moment to resign from the position as the Minister for His Majesty's Armed Forces, and the same with Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu to resign from her post as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism."
The speaker of Tonga's Parliament Lord Tuʻivakanō. Photo: RNZ/Daniela Maoate-Cox
Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku had apologised if he had disrespected the King but did not say if he would act on their demands.
"The Prime Minister was tearful in his response to the nobles' letter when it was raised in the House today (Thursday)," according to Matangi Tonga Online's report.
"He told the House that there had been an exchange of letters between Cabinet and the Palace, and he was sorry if it appeared to be disrespectful.
"It is part of my life, there was no disrespect to His Majesty, ... My apology, I love our King. ...The Palace, the 'Afio is my life," the news outlet reported.
The Prime Minister, who only survived a petition of no confidence a few months ago thanks to the support of noble representatives, is also under fire from a number of people representatives over allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
"The Prime Minister is standing his ground," Moala said.
"I think what the Prime Minister is afraid of is the return to pre-reform days in which the King had almost absolute authority,
"It's interesting to see what the Prime Minister will decide in the end."
