Tonga’s new Cabinet, appointed by King Tupou VI on Tuesday, took their oaths yesterday at the St George Government Building making history as the first to include parliament members who are not nobles, with the exception of the Crown Prince, and to feature a broad mix of independent and ‘party’ members.
Prime Minister ʻAisake Eke’s government took over following a politically turbulent transition that lasted over a month after former prime minister Siaosi Sovaleni’s resignation.
This Cabinet’s 10-month tenure is expected to focus on addressing issues that led to the no-confidence vote against the former Prime Minister.
“This is a challenging but achievable plan,” Eke said during a press conference following the first Cabinet meeting.
The Cabinet includes four ministers from outside Parliament with two of them being female ministers, another milestone for Tonga’s government. Notably, Dr. ʻUhilamoelangi Fasi has become the first non-noble Minister for Lands.
A key project announced during the press conference is the Fanga’uta Lagoon Bridge, aimed at easing traffic congestion from Hahake to Nukuʻalofa. The government also plans to introduce a Whistleblower Act.
A reception for the new Cabinet followed at Nia’s Kitchen at Vuna Wharf, attended by family and friends.
The Legislative Assembly will convene today where the newly appointed ministers will take their oaths and standing committees will be formed.