By Katalina Siasau
Tonga's Prime Minister has resigned his defence portfolio.
Two Tongan cabinet ministers had resigned, effective from 28 March, the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku told the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, this morning, 4 April, when it resumed its session after a month-long adjournment.
Speculation has been rife since King Tupou VI in Privy Council withdrew his confidence and consent to the appointments of the Hon. Hu'akavameiliku as the Minister for HMAF (Defence) and Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and as Minister for Tourism, in early February.
This morning Prime Minister announced to the House that the two resignations were accepted by the Privy Council on 28 March and effective from that date.
No new Ministers for HMAF and Foreign Affairs had been appointed.
The Prime Minister told parliament that Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu was now the new Minister for MEIDECC.
The new Minister of Tourism is Dr Viliami Uasike Latu
The Prime Minister's Office has called a press conference for this afternoon, when further details of the resignations are expected to be released.
No reason has been made public for the king's loss of confidence in the two ministers.
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See also:
https://matangitonga.to/2024/03/25/no-official-announcement-whether-or-n...
https://matangitonga.to/2024/03/08/king-receives-prime-minister-niuafoou
https://matangitonga.to/2024/02/06/cabinet-refutes-kings-orders-as-uncon...
https://matangitonga.to/2024/02/05/king-tupouVI-has-no-confidence-two-mi...
