By Tupou Vaipulu Jr
HM King Tupou VI received the Prime Minister Designate, Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke, at the Royal Palace this morning, ahead of the official appointment of Tonga's new Prime Minister, tomorrow, Wednesday 22 January 2025.
The King’s Private Secretary, Sione Fifita, confirmed the time of the appointment scheduled for tomorrow.
“His Majesty the King is pleased to appoint the Prime Minister tomorrow, 22 January 2025 at 10:00am at the Royal Palace,” he said.
This morning it was unclear whether or not the appointment would be held today. Local news outlets, including Matangi Tonga, waited outside the Palace gate this morning. Hon. 'Aisake Eke arrived in the official car of the Prime Minister, with the number plate PM 1. On leaving the Palace he shook hands with the Palace guard before getting into the vehicle and driving through the gates with a wave.
It is anticipated that Hon. Eke will announce the names of his Cabinet ministers later tomorrow, at St George Government Building.
