Results for Parliament

Tonga's Justice Minister called “What shall we do? War?” during a heated confrontation between government and the Nobles Representatives over proposed distribution of more than $4 million in constituency funds to be allocated for MPs to spend, in the Tongan Parliament yesterday, 26 June.

How Tonga is going to effectively use the millions received in grants from foreign aid donors to address its struggling economic situation, was the focus of the debate over the 2019-20 National Budget in the Tongan parliament on Wednesday and Thursday 19-20 June. It is clear that a continuing dependence on foreign aid donors remains the source of economic developments.

The Tongan Parliament worked a half-day today, because the Prime Minister and Cabinet had scheduled a visit to the Royal Palace, in the afternoon. From the House by Pesi Fonua.

Debate by Parliament over Tonga’s 2019-20 National Budget got off to a fractious start yesterday morning, 10 June 2019. The Speaker admitted a clash between government and the House and its Committees over scrutiny of the National Budget. From the House by Pesi Fonua.

Last night at Kolomotu‘a, a well-attended and lively public consultation on six government bills showed that a great majority was not supportive of a move by government to take on more power. The bills proposed to establish new bodies to appoint officials.

Increasing the number of voters in Tonga's elections is one of the main aims of a new NZD$1.5m three-year program signed under a Memorandum of Understanding between the New Zealand and Tonga Electoral Commissions, at the Electoral Office at Fasi today, 20 May.

An urgent bill pushed by Cabinet last month – the National Spatial Planning And Management (Amendment) Bill 2019 – aims to replace the King’s authority in appointing the ‘Planning Tribunal’ which adjudicates appeals filed by applicants against decisions made by the National Spatial Planning Authority, a body that assesses and approves draft plans of land/development projects.

King Tupou VI, in a message for the closing of the Tonga Legislative Assembly's 2018-19 session today, said there was a lot of work to be done to develop our country. The king's short message, delivered by Lord Vaea, urged all Tongans to be prepared for the effects of climate change, and stressed that the work of Parliament and Government must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution and with dignity. The Prime Minister was absent from the closure.

The Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva today expressed relief that King Tupou VI did not dissolve the Tonga Legislative Assembly and call for new elections again, as requested by Petitioners. “I totally support His Majesty in Council’s decision,” he stated.