Tonga: King expands control over Foreign Affairs as elections loom
Tonga’s monarch, King Tupou VI, has taken direct control of the Foreign Affairs portfolio, a move critics call a setback for the kingdom’s fragile self-determination journey. Democracy activists have spoken out, though many Tongans remain quiet—either unaware of or fearful of the latest power shift. Lopeti Senituli, a prominent democracy advocate, called the move “a dangerous situation,” arguing that the king is signaling he has more influence than the prime minister and cabinet. “We are going back to the pre-2010 days when everything done by the King and his minions escaped public scrutiny,” he said.
The development comes after Tonga’s long-running reforms, which ended nearly 150 years of absolute monarchy in 2010, nudging the country toward greater democratic governance. Yet analysts note the king has been increasing his sway over government decisions, working more closely with parliamentarians to shape policy. In December, former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni resigned ahead of a no-confidence motion after friction over cabinet selections, highlighting ongoing tensions between the monarchy and elected leadership.
The latest move follows a parliamentary bill that renamed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to “His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services,” a change that further consolidates royal influence over the kingdom’s diplomatic framework. Observers say the royal expansion is not just symbolic but could influence how foreign policy is formed and presented to ministers and the public.
Speculation persists about the composition of Tonga’s next cabinet. Reports indicate Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala is expected to assume the dual roles of Foreign Affairs and Defence, becoming the only noble in the new lineup. At the same time, non-noble experts appear in key portfolios, with Dr. Ana Akauola slated as Health Minister and Dr. Siua Halavatau or Viliami Manu stepping into Agriculture and Fisheries. Prime Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Eke is anticipated to retain the Finance portfolio as part of a transitional government, with broader cabinet appointments still to be formalized.
The political transition comes as Tonga prepares for national elections in November. Eke, who won the prime ministership in a secret parliamentary vote in December 2024 following Sovaleni’s resignation, has emphasized continuity in some ministries to ensure stable governance during the transition. His leadership has also positioned him to steer reform in health, economy, and regional cooperation, including his role as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, a forum he says will advance shared regional priorities.
Analysts say the moment marks a crossroads for Tonga: the monarchy’s heightened involvement could slow the pace of democratic reform, while supporters argue it could provide stronger, more cohesive leadership and a clearer path to delivering tangible national improvements. The coming weeks and the general election in November will reveal whether Tonga’s governance model can balance royal influence with the democratic aspirations of its people.
For now, Tongans are watching closely as the monarchy asserts a more hands-on role in government, amid hopes that reforms will still translate into better public services, economic development, and stability for the kingdom’s future. As the election approaches, observers remain cautiously optimistic that governance can be more responsive to citizens’ needs while maintaining Tonga’s unique traditions and regional leadership.
As Tonga heads toward its November elections, the balance between royal authority and democratic processes will be tested, with potential implications for the nation’s direction in the years to come.
Leave a comment