Tonga’s 'caretaker' government remains in place

Acting Tongan Prime Minister Samiu Kuita Vaipulu will continue to run the government in “caretaker mode” for a few more weeks.

The government announced that the normal business of government will continue as usual during this period.

However, ministries, departments, and agencies are not able to make or enter into new financial commitments or introduce and implement new policies.

“The caretaker government will remain in place until the appointment process for Prime Minister Designate Hon. Dr 'Aisake Valu Eke and his new Cabinet Ministers is completed, which is expected to occur within the next few weeks,” according to a written statement.

Political commentator and community leader Melino Maka says new Tongan leadership will be judged on ability to deliver real change in the first 100 days. Photo/Supplied

Once the legal appointment process is finalised, the new government will begin its work, and the current cabinet ministers will cease their roles.

Dr Eke was elected Prime Minister Designate following the resignation of former PM Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni in December, ahead of a no-confidence motion.

Political commentator and community leader Melino Maka says Dr Eke and his administration face significant challenges in meeting public expectations for reform while avoiding a continuation of past governance issues.

He says maintaining key officials from the previous administration could alienate voters seeking genuine change, and if the new government fails to address systemic inefficiencies and corruption, it risks quickly losing public support.

Maka says the new leadership will be judged on their ability to deliver real change within the first 100 days; failure to do so could lead to disillusionment among voters and weaken the democratic process in Tonga.