Results for Parliament

A National Budget of $618.3 million pa'anga, an increase of $28.7 million on the previous year, was tabled into parliament, by the Tonga government this morning, 24 May. The PM said they have only three weeks to pass the budget before they go away to 'Eua for the opening of a military camp, church conferences and feasting. From the House by Pesi Fonua.

It’s only six paragraphs long, but the response from parliament to King Tupou VI's confronting speech of 6 May, has taken a committee of nine MPs 11 days to prepare. When the draft letter was presented to the House on 18 May for approval, they went to the dark side of the moon – silencing live radio broadcasting of the debate, to prevent an inquisitive public listening to what members had to say about it. From the House by Pesi Fonua

Parliament is deferred indefinitely while the House frames its response to the King's speech. King Tupou VI opened the 2021-22 parliamentary session on Thursday with a challenging speech from the throne that questioned members' abilities to run the government. From the House by Pesi Fonua

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.