by Pesi Fonua

Tonga's King George Tupou V officially opened the 2009 session of the Tongan parliament in Nuku'alofa this morning, May 28.

The streets of Nuku'alofa were filled with laughter and brass band music as hundreds of high school students from throughout Tongatapu marched along Hala Taufa'ahau, and then past Parliament House.

It was the first time the king has opened parliament since he ascended the Tongan throne in 2006 following the death of his father the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.

Economic difficulties

In his message from the throne today, King George Tupou V said that the Tongan economy was coping with the impact of the global financial crisis that had rocked the world during the past 12 months, "the worst since the economic depression of the 1930s."

Despite the economic difficulties the Tongan economy, still managed to attain economic growth, not as much as it was targeted but there was a surplus during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 financial years. He said that the kingdom's foreign reserve is the equivalent of five months of imports.

The king said that the government budget for 2009-10 will be structured to protect the Tongan economy from the global financial crisis, the government expenditure will be maintained as it is today, and government spending will be directed toward creating employment opportunities. The financing of some of these projects would come from our own funds and with loans from the Asian Development Bank and from the People's Republic of China.

Disaster relief

He said that there was $15 million in the Disaster Relief Fund that had been established by government and the aim is to collect $75 million during the next ten years. He emphasised the importance for Tonga to be self reliant in times of a national crisis.

During this parliamentary session $1 million will be spent on Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu. Government will also spend $1 million on technical and vocational trainings.

The king said that during the next two years bills would be presented to the House for the establishment of a town council for Nuku'alofa, to look after the affairs of the capital. He said that the reason for establishing such a council is "to safeguard the life of the people, their properties and their businesses."

Reform in two years

With regards to the on-going political reform, the king said that a report from the Constitutional and Electoral Reform Commission would be presented to the House for its deliberation this session. He believed that two years was ample time for the establishment of an elected parliament, which would then elect the Prime Minister, who in turn would appoint his ministers.

The opening of parliament brought colour to the Parliament House with a floral archway and a red carpet. Foreign diplomats, judges and members of parliament wore their official attire.

Members of parliament were seated in a tent on the footpath outside parliament to view the schools marching past. The parade also marched through the Royal Palace compound before the students dispersed.