Tongan community leader Melino Maka has voiced concerns over the country’s economic and political challenges following the resignation of Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni.
Speaking on PMN’s Pacific Mornings, Maka highlighted the pressing need for effective leadership to address Tonga’s growing reliance on international aid and the struggles of the private sector.
“I observed that there’s no investment in the country… The private sector is so depressing,” Maka said. He called for leveraging the Tongan diaspora’s expertise as a solution.
Hu’akavameiliku’s resignation, ahead of a second no-confidence vote, has intensified political uncertainty. “I think that they [opposing party] hit the numbers, and the Prime Minister knew his fate,” Maka explained.
Maka urged MPs to prioritize the nation’s interests.
“We need leadership in Tonga who need to understand the country needs a good economic plan going forward, ” Maka said.
“You can’t rely on donor countries to fund half of your budget,” he added.
With speculation mounting about the next Prime Minister, Maka stressed unity and innovation as key qualities for Tonga’s future leader.
“We need good leadership now in order to bring the country together and find a path forward,” he said.
The Legislative Assembly now has until Christmas Eve to select a new leader.
Source: PMN