King Tupou VI is set to return to Tonga today after an extended stay abroad, according to His Majesty’s Secretary, Sione Fifita, who confirmed the monarch’s arrival to Tonga Broadcasting.
The King was in Thailand during the parliamentary vote of no confidence on December 24, which led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni. Following the vote, King Tupou VI spent the festive season and Tonga’s annual prayer week in New Zealand.
During his time in Auckland, Prime Minister-elect ‘Aisake Eke visited the King. Eke, a veteran politician and former finance minister, was elected as Tonga’s new prime minister by a parliamentary vote of 16 to 8 on December 24.
Chief Secretary & Secretary to Cabinet, Paula Ma’u, told Tonga Broadcasting that no date has been confirmed for the official swearing-in of the new prime minister by the King. Until the formal appointment, the current caretaker government remains in place.
Prime Minister-elect Eke has yet to announce his cabinet selections. His leadership comes at a critical time as Tonga prepares for its next general elections scheduled for November 2025.
The return of King Tupou VI is anticipated to facilitate the formal transition of power and provide stability during this period of political change.