Results for Parliament

King Tupou VI called on government to redirect its focus to the development of agriculture production, fisheries and tourism, because despite efforts to build roads, bridges, airports and wharves, Tonga is unable to counter its international trade deficit, while its two major imports are fuel and food.

The Tonga Legislative Assembly decided not to pursue Constitutional Contempt of Assembly against a member who used a religious reference when he criticized the Prime Minister’s, government funded, national tours for fasting and praying.

Tongan politics are in turmoil after a letter for a motion for a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, was tabled into parliament a day before the House closed its 2020 session on 10 December. Details of the letter have emerged, raising seven concerns. From the House by Pesi Fonua.

There were 8000 Tongans stuck overseas because of the COVID-19 border restrictions and wanting to return home, when the repatriation flights ended this week. They include 13 Tongans stuck in India. The repatriation flights may resume in February next year, Hon. Poasi Tei, the Minister for MEIDECC told parliament. From the House by Pesi Fonua.

The authority of the House is being eroded by the continued deference of its proceedings during the past weeks, Lord Tu‘i‘afitu, the Chairman of the Whole House Committee warned Parliament, when it met on 1 December. The House got down to business and among other legislation unanimously agreed to create a new public holiday for November 20. From the House, by Pesi Fonua.

State funding for fasters raised an unanswered question in Tonga's parliament yesterday, when the House resumed its proceedings after a month-long break for the Prime Minister's ongoing national prayer and fasting schedule. From the House by Pesi Fonua.

The stoppage of Tongan watermelon exports to New Zealand and kava exports to Australia is having a drastic impact on the Tongan economy, Lord Tu'i'afitu told the Tongan Parliament this week. Desperate growers are now trying to sell thousands of export quality watermelons along Tonga roadsides for only a few pa'anga each. Quality control was lost when Tonga's expert agricultural advisers left the country, and with a continuing border closure it will take a long time to replace them. From the House by Pesi Fonua

MPs claimed that because Cabinet Ministers were on an election campaign mission to ‘Eua, it forced parliament to close down on Monday, 12 October, because it did not have the quorum. From the House by Pesi Fonua.

The proceeding of the Tongan Parliament yesterday, 12 October, was deferred because it did not have a quorum, when most of the Cabinet members were stranded at 'Eua, where they had celebrated the first birthday of the appointment of the People's Party Government with fasting and prayers. From the House by Pesi Fonua.