Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Tonga's 'Tug-of-War Continues' Over Unresolved Allegations
Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific Senior Journalist
16 April 2025
Four months after the toppling of Tonga's Hu'akavameliku Siaosi Sovaleni, the call remains for the new administration to back up its claim of misappropriation by the previous government.
Dr 'Aisake Eke came to power after Sovaleni resigned in December ahead of a vote of confidence.
Dr Eke has made a number of claims against Hu'akavameiliku's government but has yet elaborate on them.
"One of the key things that has been asked and not only within parliament, but by people outside of parliament, is: if there have been wrong doing, like misspending funds - and these are allegations to the millions of dollars - why do not these people from the previous government be taken to court?" RNZ Pacific correspondent in Nuku'alofa, Kalafi Moala, told Pacific Waves.
"I think the basis of that comes from the fact that the Auditor-General was asked about reports from the previous government on spending, and he said that there are some cases where there are no reports or there are no receipts for how the money has been spent."
Moala pointed out that many people asking questions about the previous government's spending are from Hu'akavameiliku's administration.
"[Hu'akavameiliku] has appeared on both television and radio, basically saying that there are no funds missing, and the allegations that there are no records is no correct. He has denied that.
"So, the tug-of-war continues, and unfortunately, that has been the main issue discussed in parliament."
Meanwhile, Dr Eke's government has until November to make an impact, before the country heads back to the polls.
Moala said the new administration has been accused of using its time in office to campaign for the upcoming elections.
"They are pointing the finger at the previous government or the government before that...basically doing a lot of campaigning, according to the critics," he said.
"So far, [the government hasn't] done anything. It is all talk and they have not proven anything or taken anybody to court or even seek impeachment.
"I think the people of Tonga still waiting for some kind of action from this government instead of just a lot of talk."
Moala said the election date is expected to be announced in September, with campaigning to begin soon after.
"Which means they will be very limited in what they do when that happens. There is not much time to do anything," he added.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Gary M. Feinman, IMI: Archaeology Can Now Tell Us How People Have Muffled And Challenged Economic Inequality Across History
CNS: Will All Children Be Born Free Of HIV, Syphilis And Hepatitis-B By 2030?
Save The Children: Sudan - One Child Every 10 Seconds Forced To Flee Their Home Since Conflict Began Two Years Ago
People with Disability Australia - PWDA: People With Disability Invisible In Election Debates And Housing Promises
East West Center: NZ Deputy Prime Minister Recounts Longstanding US-NZ Relationship In The Pacific
Global Jews for Palestine: Jewish Organisations' Passover Statement, After 40 Days Of Starvation