Tongan Prime Minister gives up defence portfolio after meeting with King Tupou VI

Tonga's monarch King Tupou VI. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has reportedly stepped down from his defence portfolio to make way for a noble to assume the position.

Along with Hu’akavameiliku, Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Fekita ‘Utoikamanu has also reportedly resigned from her foreign affairs portfolio.

Sources in Nuku’alofa have told RNZ Pacific the decision to resign comes following a meeting between Hua’kavameiliku and a Cabinet team held with King Tupou VI in Niuafo’ou island earlier this month.

Tonga's Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni Hu'akavameiliku. Photo / Koro Vaka'uta

Earlier last month, Tonga’s Privy Council issued a directive that the King had lost confidence in Hua’kavameiliku and ‘Utoikamanu holding the defence and foreign ministry portfolios.

However, Hua’kavameiliku refused to step down after Attorney-General Linda Folaumoetu’i advised him and Cabinet that the Privy Council’s letter stating that the King had revoked two ministerial appointments was unconstitutional.

Tonga’s acting prime minister Samiu Vaipulu said at the time the government would resolve its differences with the King “the Pacific way”.

Hu’akavameiliku is said to have sent a proposal to the King, recommending that Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala - a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - be appointed Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs.

According to RNZ Pacific sources, there is also a likelihood of ministerial reshuffles.

The official announcements are expected to be made after a Privy Council meeting that will be chaired by the King on Thursday. The King will then announce if he accepts the prime minister’s proposals.