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. 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. The present government’s decision honors that vision and strengthens our nation’s ability to stand firm in an ever-changing world. - Seni Penitani.
You are here
Results for Tongan monarchy
Tuesday 18 July 2006
Premium content
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
The sudden death of Prince Tu'ipelehake was a great loss to Tonga's political reform movement. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua.
Premium content
Thursday 20 December 2001
Premium content
Nuku‘alofa, Tonga
When ordinary people reach the age of 64 years they are expected to retire and stop working, but if the King of Tonga, HM King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV, at 83 years, reduces his work load and looks very tired at the end of an ordinary working day, some people seem to think that something is terribly wrong. The New Zealand media in late October ran a news story that the King’s health was deteriorating, and claimed that there was a battle for power within the Tongan Royal family. Interview by Pesi Fonua, Matangi Tonga Magazine, Vol. 16, no. 3, December 2001.
Premium content
Thursday 20 December 2001
Premium content
Nuku‘alofa, Tonga
Tonga’s line of succession to the throne has not changed significantly in recent years. From Matangi Tonga Magazine, Vol. 16, no. 3, December 2001.
Premium content
Thursday 20 December 2001
Premium content
Nuku‘alofa, Tonga
The Tongan Royal Family is the epi-centre of Tongan politics, a traditional role that was later formalised by the 1875 Tongan Constitution, which spelled out the power of the King and the law of succession to the throne. While in most western countries one could follow political trends by studying the manifestos and the working agenda of political parties, in Tonga one has to understand the political thoughts of the King and the members of the Royal Family. This is no easy task, because of the exclusiveness that surrounds the Royal Family in their daily lives. By Pesi Fonua. From Matangi Tonga Magazine, Vol. 16, no. 3, December 2001. FROM OUR ARCHIVES.
Premium content
