Why restoring Foreign Affairs to the Monarchy protects Tonga’s future
By Seni Penitani
When King George Tupou V surrendered the Executive Power to the Prime Minister in 2010, many assumed he was stepping into a purely ceremonial role. But those who truly understood his moves saw a master political chess player at work. He did not seek to erase the monarchy’s political relevance — he sought to rebalance power between the elected representatives and the King in a way that would safeguard Tonga’s sovereignty and values for generations.
Far from retreating, King George Tupou V strategically strengthened the monarchy’s institutional resilience by appointing Lords, reinforcing the Privy Council, and adapting elements from the British parliamentary system to fit Tonga’s unique context. He understood that unchecked popular politics could be swayed by short-term passions, external pressures, or party dominance, leading to instability and the erosion of our cultural foundations.
In Britain, the House of Lords exists to temper the House of Commons. In Tonga, the Privy Council — appointed and guided by the King — serves a similar purpose: to bring wisdom, stability, and a safeguard against politically motivated legislation. Without such a balancing body, a Prime Minister with a loyal majority could dominate both law-making and execution, blurring the separation of powers.
Over the years, we have seen discontent with various Prime Ministers — proof that no single elected leader should hold unchallenged control over Tonga’s direction. This is why the present Prime Minister’s decision to return authority over foreign affairs to the King is both wise and constitutional.
Clause 39 of Tonga’s Constitution clearly states:
“It shall be lawful for the King to make treaties with Foreign States provided that such treaties shall be in accordance with the laws of the Kingdom.”
This is not a loophole — it is the intended design. The King is entrusted to represent Tonga to the world, ensuring that international agreements do not compromise our laws, our traditions, or our Christian foundation.
And in today’s world, such protection is essential. Progressive ideologies dominate the universities, diplomatic forums, and the policies of many democratic nations. International agreements — often through UN conventions ... are increasingly used to push social changes such as same-sex marriage and abortion under the banner of “human rights” and “gender equality.” While such policies may be embraced elsewhere, they conflict with the Anga Fakatonga and the Gospel principles on which our nation was built. ...
By leading our international relations, the King acts as Tonga’s safeguard against the subtle erosion of our sovereignty through treaty obligations and external pressures. This ensures that while we remain engaged globally, we do so as Tongans — true to our heritage, faith, and national interest.
King George Tupou V gave us a blueprint for a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy: a democracy shaped by Tongans for Tongans, with the monarchy as the guardian of our values and the steady hand in foreign relations. The present government’s decision honors that vision and strengthens our nation’s ability to stand firm in an ever-changing world.
Seni Penitani, Nomuka
Utah, USA.
