Sāmoa's new era: Laauli sworn in, promises unity and stability

The next chapter of Sāmoa’s political story has officially begun, with Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt being sworn in as the country’s eighth Prime Minister.

The event marked the inauguration of the 18th Parliament on Tuesday, with 31 MPs taking their oaths as members of the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party. Fourteen members swore in as Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) representatives, and six individuals entered as independents, including former Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa.

In his address to parliamentarians and guests, Laauli acknowledged his new responsibilities and paid tribute to Sāmoa’s past leaders, extending his respect to recent competitors, Fiamē and Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. “This is a new beginning for our country,” he says. “This chair [of leadership] is not mine. It belongs to all of Sāmoa. It is ours to protect and take care of together.”

Laauli emphasised the importance of unity, urging Sāmoans to move beyond previous political conflicts. “Tuilaepa... Fiamē... our time together was not short, and God knows of the work we did together,” he says. He called on leaders and citizens to “bring peace and harmony to the country” and “stand together for the good of Sāmoa”.

In his own portfolio, the Prime Minister will oversee the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC), Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Police. He will also manage the Attorney-General’s Office, the Sāmoa Law Reform Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Public Service Commission. His Associate Minister for MPMC is Vui Iiga Sione Iiga.

In a rare move, the Deputy Prime Minister role will be shared between two individuals. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo, who also leads Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, will serve as deputy until March 2028, assisted by Associate Minister Taituave Lafaitele Vaolaga Taaititi Iona. From April 2028 to the end of the current term in 2030, the position will shift to Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo, who will also take charge of Finance and State-Owned Enterprises, with Asiata Tavui Tafu Salevao Leaoa as her associate.

Laaulialemalietoa is Sāmoa's eighth Prime Minister. A political legacy, he is the third generation of his family to serve as a politician, and the first as leader of the government. Photo/Parliament of Samoa

Other cabinet appointments were also confirmed. Aiono Alec Ekeroma is Minister of Education and Culture, supported by Leatigaga Matafai Lauina Iiga. Justice and Courts Administration is led by Fesolai Apulu Tusiupu Tuigamala, assisted by Sala Paulo Tuala Poto. Agaseata Tanuvasa Valelio Tanuvasa Peto takes Communications and Information Technology, with Leilua Sagato Karene in support. Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi is the Minister of Duty, supported by Lavea Solomona Paulo, and Seve Anapu Tei Fuimaono leads Environment with Taufua Edmund Taufua.

Fuimaono Maiava Tito heads Agriculture and Fisheries with Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupo, Foisala Lilo Tuu Ioane leads Natural Resources with Tea Tooala Peato, and Seauamuli Fasi Toma becomes Minister of Sport and Recreation with Fiu Faaolatane Ponifasio Vasa. Mofaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai heads Women, Community and Social Development, including the Bureau of Statistics, with Tilafono David Hunter as associate. Commerce, Industry and Labour goes to Fata Ryan Schuster, supported by Amituanai Malolo Tautofi Roma. Health will be led by Vaaaoao Salumalu Alofipo, assisted by Ale Vena Ale, while Revenue and the Audit Office will be led by Pauga Teomatavui Talalelei Pauga.

Looking ahead, Laauli says the immediate priority is stabilising government finances. He revealed that ministry heads had informed him that the caretaker budget has only a week left for public sector salaries. The Ministry of Finance has been tasked with preparing an emergency budget to cover at least the next 30 days, with any extension requiring approval from the Head of State. “We intend to pass this emergency budget tomorrow in Cabinet,” Laauli says. The main government budget will be presented to Parliament in mid-to-late October.

Watch the swearing-in ceremony below

The Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, urged the new Parliament to set aside divisions. “The campaign season is behind us, and the people have spoken,” he says. “It is time to heal wounds, forgive, reconcile, and march forward together in the spirit of unity. Our canoe cannot move forward if each person or faction paddles in a different direction.”