His Majesty King Tupou VI has opened Tonga’s 2025 Parliamentary Session with a strong call for government accountability and reform.
In his Address from the Throne delivered today in Nuku’alofa, the King urged the government to manage public funds lawfully and transparently. “It is the duty of the government to ensure every public fund is accounted for, managed according to the law, and documented effectively for the benefit of the nation,” he said.
The King highlighted the importance of strengthening health systems to guard against future pandemics and outbreaks like dengue fever. He also called for a comprehensive review of education policies, expressing concern over the emigration of skilled professionals such as doctors and nurses.
“To grow our economy, Tonga needs its people to be healthy and well educated,” he said.
Emphasising the link between human capital and economic growth, the King noted that aligning Tonga’s education system with international standards is essential to attract foreign investment and enhance remittances.
With a general election scheduled for later this year, King Tupou VI praised the peaceful conduct of previous elections and urged continued reform of the electoral process to genuinely serve the interests of the people.
In response to the Royal Address, the Lord Speaker announced the formation of a nine-member Select Committee tasked with drafting a reply to His Majesty’s address from the throne.
The usual marching procession by schools in Tongatapu from the parliament house through Nuku’alofa to the Royal Palace followed the event.
