Sāmoa’s new PM pledges unity at home and support for Israel abroad

Sāmoa’s new government has quickly moved to establish authority and reassure the public service while addressing an immediate financial shortfall that has left the nation relying on an emergency budget.

The transition of power, completed just four days ago with the swearing-in of Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) leader Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt as Prime Minister, has already highlighted both opportunities and challenges.

At his first meeting with Cabinet ministers, associate ministers, and heads of government ministries, Laauli set a tone of humility and collective responsibility.

He urged public servants to put aside their political loyalties and focus on serving the nation.

“The last government is done. It’s finished,” Laauli says. “If you love Sāmoa, starting from today, you will accept that we are here. The new government is for all of Sāmoa.”

He stressed the importance of building upon previous achievements while also advising officials to seek improvements where necessary.

The Prime Minister and Cabinet meet with Sāmoa's public service leadership. Photo/Government of Samoa/Facebook

The Prime Minister, who rose to power following a split within FAST’s founding leadership, emphasised unity and discipline. “Leave the politics to the politicians. If anyone believes they are ready to join the politicians, resign and go back to your villages and then go to the polls”.

The call for unity was heightened by immediate financial concerns. At his first post-Cabinet press conference, Laauli announced the need for urgent approval of an emergency budget to cover public service salaries, overseas medical treatment, and other essential expenses. He says the caretaker budget of about NZ$150 million had “almost gone,” requiring the new government to fill the gap before Parliament considers the central budget in October.

Under the Constitution, the Attorney General must advise the Head of State before signing off on the emergency measure, which will be administered on a rolling 30-day basis. Laauli instructed ministry heads to work closely with the Treasury to ensure that the central budget reflects the nation’s true needs and represents a responsible use of national revenue. “Remember the budget, the money, is from the sweat of the nation. Allocate it wisely”.

Governor of American Samoa and Prime Minister of Samoa. Photo/Government of Samoa/Facebook

Beyond addressing immediate financial needs, the new government has signalled plans to re-energise Sāmoa’s domestic and external relationships.

One of the Cabinet’s first actions was a courtesy meeting with the Governor of American Sāmoa, where Laauli described the two regions as “the same people” and promised to resume the Atoa Sāmoa talks.

He proposed using two acres of land in Tafuna, belonging to Sāmoa, for accommodation for Starkist workers and creating freer movement of people and goods between the two Sāmoas. He also raised agricultural opportunities, citing the use of Sāmoan talo and other root crops for popular snacks processed in American Sāmoa for export under United States labelling.

Existing programs for labour mobility schemes through Sāmoa's government

On broader development, Laauli cautioned against overreliance on seasonal labour schemes, urging youth to develop their own land and agriculture.

“Our people are not slaves,” he told reporters, promising reforms to ensure that village-based Fono Faavae councils oversee who is permitted to take up overseas work.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), back in the opposition benches, has sharply criticised FAST’s early days in office.

At his weekly press conference, former prime minister and HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi questioned aspects of the swearing-in ceremony, calling the jubilant atmosphere “a rugby game or a concert”, which he believed trampled on the reverence of Parliament.

He also questioned the appointment of two deputy prime ministers as being more about “appeasing” party members than reflecting government needs. The HRPP is currently facing three election petitions from FAST while contesting various elements, having filed five petitions against FAST MPs.

In terms of foreign policy, the veteran leader urged caution. His comments were in response to the mixed reactions Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa has received for his support of Israel.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa with his first Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo at Parliament's swearing-in ceremony. Photo/Government of Samoa/Facebook

“I stand with Israel, it is God’s country… I will stand by it for now until the end of my term as Prime Minister,” Laauli told reporters.

Tuilaepa warned that impulsive declarations by world leaders have historically led to conflict. “It’s not just religion that the government must look at; they must look at the overall picture in terms of what is best for the country.

“Leaders have to be careful. Take America, for example. When the President declared that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, a war broke out. Many people died. Who is responsible for the spilt blood? It falls on the head of the US President. Others before him were careful; they tread carefully.

“Now, we can see how many children and families are being killed [in Palestine]. Many say enough is enough, but it continues. Now, even many of Israel’s friends are disgusted at the sight of women and children being killed.”

The first days of Sāmoa’s 18th Parliament have underlined the significance of the political transition. The FAST party, which secured a commanding majority in last month’s snap election, inherits a challenging fiscal period and must quickly stabilise public finances. Laauli has made it clear that his government sees this moment as an opportunity to reset governance norms.

For public servants, his message is one of accountability and service. “Give good advice to your leaders, for the right decisions to be made. No more bottlenecks, no delaying games”.

HRPP Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Deputy Leader Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre Meredith. Photo/HRPP/Facebook

For the opposition, their role is to scrutinise the government while addressing grievances from an election loss that they continue to contest. For ordinary Sāmoans, the weeks ahead will depend on how effectively and swiftly their new leaders can transform their messages of unity into real stability, beginning with an emergency budget that ensures the nation’s essential functions remain operational.