Political turmoil in Sāmoa: PM calls for early election after historic Budget defeat

Sāmoa is heading towards an early election after Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa announced on Tuesday that she would seek a dissolution of Parliament.

The decision comes after the island nation’s Legislative Assembly voted against the government's proposed 2025-2026 Budget by 34 votes to 16, with two abstentions, following an intense debate.

The defeat also marks the first time in 40 years that a Sāmoan government has failed to secure parliamentary approval for its budget.

Minister of Finance Lautimuia Uelese Vaai presented the budget, and members quickly moved to hold the vote during its first reading.

Despite objections from Cabinet Ministers, who argued that members should explain their reasons for opposing the budget before voting, the Speaker ruled to proceed with the early vote.

In her address to Parliament, Fiamē warned about the severe consequences of rejecting the budget, highlighting the operational challenges it would create for government functions.

She also pointed out the logistical difficulties of calling an early election, mainly due to the ongoing voter re-registration process, which is currently only 52 per cent complete across constituencies.

Fiamē has led a minority government since January after internal divisions resulted in her expulsion from the FAST Party.

Following the split, she dismissed FAST chairman La'auli Leuatea Schmidt and several ministers, prompting La'auli to remove her from the party altogether.

La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, FAST party chair. Photo/FAST Party

Earlier this year, Fiamē successfully faced two no-confidence votes by forming shifting alliances. First, she overcame a challenge from former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi with La'auli's support, and later defeated a motion by La'auli himself, with Tuilaepa’s assistance.

But during Tuesday's budget vote, members of the opposition Human Rights Protection Party and Fiamē's former FAST allies united against the budget, ultimately leading to the collapse of her government.

As the constitution states, the Cabinet is expected to transition into a caretaker role, and elections must be held within 90 days.

Watch the Budget debate in Sāmoa's parliament below.