By Tupou Vaipulu Jr
The 2026 session of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga was officially opened today, 15 January 2026.
The address from the throne by HM King Tupou VI, read by Lord Fakatulolo, struck a biblical tone. The King warned the House and the country to be wary of wickedness.
“I take this as a warning to the House and the country with these words: righteousness uplifts a nation, while wickedness is the shame of the people. When righteousness is evident, the people shall rejoice, but if wickedness prevails, the people shall be troubled.”
The King also warned the members of the House about favouritism and bribery, saying, “...you will not favouritise, you will not accept gifts [bribes] because gifts blind the eyes of the wise and bends what is right.”
In his address, the King congratulated the new Lord Speaker of Parliament, the new Prime Minister and his cabinet, the Nobles and and the Representatives of the People.
Parliament opened with a majority of the MPs in attendance, however, some were not able to attend, including the Speaker of the House, Lord Vaea, who is currently out of the country.
The King's address concluded: "May our work please heaven and may blessings descend upon the country."
