Tonga’s Prime Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke has announced his new Cabinet lineup, which includes two female ministers but no nobles except the Crown Prince.
The Prime Minister will present the letters of appointment to all of the Cabinet Ministers on Thursday but their portfolios are effective today, which means the Caretaker ministers cease as well.
Dr. Eke, who also serves as Minister for Finance, Fisheries, and Prisons, leads the Cabinet. Dr. Taniela Fusimālohi has been named Deputy Prime Minister and will oversee Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Communications, and Climate Change (MEIDECC) as well as Infrastructure.
HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala takes on the portfolio for His Majesty’s Armed Forces and Foreign Affairs, while Dr. ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi will head the Ministries of Education and Lands & Natural Resources.
Other appointments include Paula Piveni Piukala as Minister for Public Enterprises, Police, Fire, and Emergency, and Mo’ale Finau as Minister for Tourism and Justice.
Kāpeli Lanumata has been assigned Trade and Economic Development, while Mateni Tapueluelu will lead Revenue and Customs.
The two female ministers, Dr. Ana ‘Akau’ola and Sinaitakala Tu’itahi, will oversee Health and Internal Affairs, respectively.
Dr. Siosiua Halavatau completes the lineup as Minister for Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.
Four unelected members of the new cabinet being Dr. Ana ‘Akau’ola and Sinai Tu’itahi and two male, Siosiua Halavatau and the Crown Prince were brought in by the Prime Minister.
This Cabinet marks a departure from tradition with no noble representatives besides the Crown Prince included. None of the previous cabinet members are on this new lineup.
The appointments follow constitutional processes before the new ministers formally assume office until the general election in November.