Latest news with #Fiame
Al Etihad
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UAE President, VPs congratulate President of Samoa on Independence Day
1 June 2025 14:12 ABU DHABI (WAM) President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, President of the Independent State of Samoa, on the occasion of his country's Independence Day. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages to the President of Samoa and Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Prime Minister of Samoa.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Samoa takes a step into uncertainty with snap election
Samoa's parliament will dissolve next week ahead of the Pacific nation's first snap election in 40 years, but it's still not clear when the polling day will be - or its contestants. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa is reportedly poised to set up a new party to run in the polls, just a week after her government was brought down. Fiame was unable to pass her budget this week, crippling her minority government and prompting a trip to the head of state. "The Head of State signed the notice of dissolution of the Legislative Assembly this afternoon to be effective on the 3rd of June 2025," Fiame said in a national statement. Fiame said the judiciary must determine the poll day, given the electoral act asks parties and candidates to be confirmed six months from an election, but the constitution requires an election to be held three months after parliament's dissolution. The fall of the 68-year-old's government is another watershed moment in Samoa's democracy. In 2021, Fiame became the first female prime minister in Samoa's history, and one of the few to have led a Pacific government, ending the 23-year reign of Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. Fiame's decision in January to eject La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, the FAST party chairman, from cabinet over a raft of criminal charges precipitated this year's crisis. Several MPs walked with La'auli, reducing Fiame's government to a minority, and while she survived a pair of no-confidence motions earlier this year, the budget impasse ended her reign. In a scathing editorial published this week, the Samoa Observer said La'auli and his supporters were responsible for the early poll - and the constitutional crunch. "How did we get here? The answer is simple. It is the failure by some in power to follow the law and think that their positions make them untouchable," the editorial read. "And who suffers? The people of this nation. "If the law had been followed and there had been no intention of manipulating it to suit people's agendas, the path to the next general elections would have been smoother." The editorial did not spare Fiame, saying she should have addressed the nation more often, "leading many to question her ability to lead the nation". "But one thing she has done properly is follow the law. That attribute is leader-like," it continued. While Fiame is reportedly planning to launch a new party when parliament dissolves, the legal uncertainty means it is not clear whether it will be allowed. The Samoa Observer said citizens should prepare for an election season with "many gifts" to be showered across districts. "But under the law and being morally righteous, as Christians, is it right for us to take these gifts?" it read. "Wake up, Samoa. It is said all is part of God's plan, and if it is, the power has been handed back to the people to elect people into power who will work for the people and not for themselves." Samoa's parliament will dissolve next week ahead of the Pacific nation's first snap election in 40 years, but it's still not clear when the polling day will be - or its contestants. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa is reportedly poised to set up a new party to run in the polls, just a week after her government was brought down. Fiame was unable to pass her budget this week, crippling her minority government and prompting a trip to the head of state. "The Head of State signed the notice of dissolution of the Legislative Assembly this afternoon to be effective on the 3rd of June 2025," Fiame said in a national statement. Fiame said the judiciary must determine the poll day, given the electoral act asks parties and candidates to be confirmed six months from an election, but the constitution requires an election to be held three months after parliament's dissolution. The fall of the 68-year-old's government is another watershed moment in Samoa's democracy. In 2021, Fiame became the first female prime minister in Samoa's history, and one of the few to have led a Pacific government, ending the 23-year reign of Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. Fiame's decision in January to eject La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, the FAST party chairman, from cabinet over a raft of criminal charges precipitated this year's crisis. Several MPs walked with La'auli, reducing Fiame's government to a minority, and while she survived a pair of no-confidence motions earlier this year, the budget impasse ended her reign. In a scathing editorial published this week, the Samoa Observer said La'auli and his supporters were responsible for the early poll - and the constitutional crunch. "How did we get here? The answer is simple. It is the failure by some in power to follow the law and think that their positions make them untouchable," the editorial read. "And who suffers? The people of this nation. "If the law had been followed and there had been no intention of manipulating it to suit people's agendas, the path to the next general elections would have been smoother." The editorial did not spare Fiame, saying she should have addressed the nation more often, "leading many to question her ability to lead the nation". "But one thing she has done properly is follow the law. That attribute is leader-like," it continued. While Fiame is reportedly planning to launch a new party when parliament dissolves, the legal uncertainty means it is not clear whether it will be allowed. The Samoa Observer said citizens should prepare for an election season with "many gifts" to be showered across districts. "But under the law and being morally righteous, as Christians, is it right for us to take these gifts?" it read. "Wake up, Samoa. It is said all is part of God's plan, and if it is, the power has been handed back to the people to elect people into power who will work for the people and not for themselves." Samoa's parliament will dissolve next week ahead of the Pacific nation's first snap election in 40 years, but it's still not clear when the polling day will be - or its contestants. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa is reportedly poised to set up a new party to run in the polls, just a week after her government was brought down. Fiame was unable to pass her budget this week, crippling her minority government and prompting a trip to the head of state. "The Head of State signed the notice of dissolution of the Legislative Assembly this afternoon to be effective on the 3rd of June 2025," Fiame said in a national statement. Fiame said the judiciary must determine the poll day, given the electoral act asks parties and candidates to be confirmed six months from an election, but the constitution requires an election to be held three months after parliament's dissolution. The fall of the 68-year-old's government is another watershed moment in Samoa's democracy. In 2021, Fiame became the first female prime minister in Samoa's history, and one of the few to have led a Pacific government, ending the 23-year reign of Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. Fiame's decision in January to eject La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, the FAST party chairman, from cabinet over a raft of criminal charges precipitated this year's crisis. Several MPs walked with La'auli, reducing Fiame's government to a minority, and while she survived a pair of no-confidence motions earlier this year, the budget impasse ended her reign. In a scathing editorial published this week, the Samoa Observer said La'auli and his supporters were responsible for the early poll - and the constitutional crunch. "How did we get here? The answer is simple. It is the failure by some in power to follow the law and think that their positions make them untouchable," the editorial read. "And who suffers? The people of this nation. "If the law had been followed and there had been no intention of manipulating it to suit people's agendas, the path to the next general elections would have been smoother." The editorial did not spare Fiame, saying she should have addressed the nation more often, "leading many to question her ability to lead the nation". "But one thing she has done properly is follow the law. That attribute is leader-like," it continued. While Fiame is reportedly planning to launch a new party when parliament dissolves, the legal uncertainty means it is not clear whether it will be allowed. The Samoa Observer said citizens should prepare for an election season with "many gifts" to be showered across districts. "But under the law and being morally righteous, as Christians, is it right for us to take these gifts?" it read. "Wake up, Samoa. It is said all is part of God's plan, and if it is, the power has been handed back to the people to elect people into power who will work for the people and not for themselves." Samoa's parliament will dissolve next week ahead of the Pacific nation's first snap election in 40 years, but it's still not clear when the polling day will be - or its contestants. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa is reportedly poised to set up a new party to run in the polls, just a week after her government was brought down. Fiame was unable to pass her budget this week, crippling her minority government and prompting a trip to the head of state. "The Head of State signed the notice of dissolution of the Legislative Assembly this afternoon to be effective on the 3rd of June 2025," Fiame said in a national statement. Fiame said the judiciary must determine the poll day, given the electoral act asks parties and candidates to be confirmed six months from an election, but the constitution requires an election to be held three months after parliament's dissolution. The fall of the 68-year-old's government is another watershed moment in Samoa's democracy. In 2021, Fiame became the first female prime minister in Samoa's history, and one of the few to have led a Pacific government, ending the 23-year reign of Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. Fiame's decision in January to eject La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, the FAST party chairman, from cabinet over a raft of criminal charges precipitated this year's crisis. Several MPs walked with La'auli, reducing Fiame's government to a minority, and while she survived a pair of no-confidence motions earlier this year, the budget impasse ended her reign. In a scathing editorial published this week, the Samoa Observer said La'auli and his supporters were responsible for the early poll - and the constitutional crunch. "How did we get here? The answer is simple. It is the failure by some in power to follow the law and think that their positions make them untouchable," the editorial read. "And who suffers? The people of this nation. "If the law had been followed and there had been no intention of manipulating it to suit people's agendas, the path to the next general elections would have been smoother." The editorial did not spare Fiame, saying she should have addressed the nation more often, "leading many to question her ability to lead the nation". "But one thing she has done properly is follow the law. That attribute is leader-like," it continued. While Fiame is reportedly planning to launch a new party when parliament dissolves, the legal uncertainty means it is not clear whether it will be allowed. The Samoa Observer said citizens should prepare for an election season with "many gifts" to be showered across districts. "But under the law and being morally righteous, as Christians, is it right for us to take these gifts?" it read. "Wake up, Samoa. It is said all is part of God's plan, and if it is, the power has been handed back to the people to elect people into power who will work for the people and not for themselves."
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Samoa takes a step into uncertainty with snap election
Samoa's parliament will dissolve next week ahead of the Pacific nation's first snap election in 40 years, but it's still not clear when the polling day will be - or its contestants. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa is reportedly poised to set up a new party to run in the polls, just a week after her government was brought down. Fiame was unable to pass her budget this week, crippling her minority government and prompting a trip to the head of state. "The Head of State signed the notice of dissolution of the Legislative Assembly this afternoon to be effective on the 3rd of June 2025," Fiame said in a national statement. Fiame announced the dissolution of Samoa's parliament however, a date has not been set. Fiame said the judiciary must determine the poll day, given the electoral act asks parties and candidates to be confirmed six months from an election, but the constitution requires an election to be held three months after parliament's dissolution. The fall of the 68-year-old's government is another watershed moment in Samoa's democracy. In 2021, Fiame became the first female prime minister in Samoa's history, and one of the few to have led a Pacific government, ending the 23-year reign of Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi. Fiame's decision in January to eject La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, the FAST party chairman, from cabinet over a raft of criminal charges precipitated this year's crisis. Several MPs walked with La'auli, reducing Fiame's government to a minority, and while she survived a pair of no-confidence motions earlier this year, the budget impasse ended her reign. In a scathing editorial published this week, the Samoa Observer said La'auli and his supporters were responsible for the early poll - and the constitutional crunch. "How did we get here? The answer is simple. It is the failure by some in power to follow the law and think that their positions make them untouchable," the editorial read. "And who suffers? The people of this nation. "If the law had been followed and there had been no intention of manipulating it to suit people's agendas, the path to the next general elections would have been smoother." The editorial did not spare Fiame, saying she should have addressed the nation more often, "leading many to question her ability to lead the nation". "But one thing she has done properly is follow the law. That attribute is leader-like," it continued. While Fiame is reportedly planning to launch a new party when parliament dissolves, the legal uncertainty means it is not clear whether it will be allowed. The Samoa Observer said citizens should prepare for an election season with "many gifts" to be showered across districts. "But under the law and being morally righteous, as Christians, is it right for us to take these gifts?" it read. "Wake up, Samoa. It is said all is part of God's plan, and if it is, the power has been handed back to the people to elect people into power who will work for the people and not for themselves."
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Samoa dissolves parliament after leader unable to pass budget
FILE PHOTO: Samoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata'afa speaking at the annual Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey, in London. March 10, 2025. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo SYDNEY - Samoa's parliament will dissolve on June 3 and the Pacific Island nation will hold an election at an unspecified date, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said on Wednesday. Fiame was unable to gain enough support to pass budget legislation in parliament on Monday and said in a statement that she had advised Samoa's head of state, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, that parliament should be dissolved. A dissolution notice was signed and gazetted on Wednesday. Fiame was elected in 2021, one of the Pacific's few female leaders, and faced a months-long court battle when the incumbent who had held power for two decades disputed the result. Unlike her predecessor, Fiame was sceptical of Chinese investment, and raised the international profile of the nation of 200,000 people by hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last year. Fiame was expelled from her political party, FAST, in January in a factional dispute. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Samoa dissolves parliament after leader unable to pass budget
SYDNEY (Reuters) -Samoa's parliament will dissolve on June 3 and the Pacific Island nation will hold an election at an unspecified date, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said on Wednesday. Fiame was unable to gain enough support to pass budget legislation in parliament on Monday and said in a statement that she had advised Samoa's head of state, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, that parliament should be dissolved. A dissolution notice was signed and gazetted on Wednesday. Fiame was elected in 2021, one of the Pacific's few female leaders, and faced a months-long court battle when the incumbent who had held power for two decades disputed the result. Unlike her predecessor, Fiame was sceptical of Chinese investment, and raised the international profile of the nation of 200,000 people by hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting last year. Fiame was expelled from her political party, FAST, in January in a factional dispute.
