Tongan Finance Minister Dr Aisake Eke’s political future appears to hang in the balance this weekend.
Reports are circulating that Dr Eke has been sacked, but these may be premature.
Cabinet sources told Kaniva Tonga today that Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva is considering giving the Finance portfolio to the Customs and Revenue Minister, Hon. Tevita Lavemaau.
Our source said Hon. Pohiva was finalising his decision and would announce it on Monday.
The source said the Finance Minister was the “heart of the government” and should work closely with the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The Prime Minister is believed to be considering replacing Dr Eke because he abstained in Monday’s unsuccessful vote of no confidence against Hon. Pohiva.
It was not immediately clear whether the PM intends to sack Dr Eke or give him Hon. Lavemaau’s portfolio.
Last Monday a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister, which had been put forward by the Nobles, was defeated 14-10. The Nobles were backed by some independents.
Radio New Zealand reported that Dr Eke’s name had been put forward as a possible replacement Prime Minister if the vote had been successful.
Dr Eke was elected to Parliament in 2010 as Member for Tongatapu 5.
He previously served in the Finance portfolio under the government of Lord Tuʻivakano.
The main points
- Tongan Finance Minister Dr Aisake Eke’s political future appears to hang in the balance this weekend.
- Cabinet sources told Kaniva Tonga today that Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva is considering giving the Finance portfolio to the Customs and Revenue Minister, Hon. Tevita Lavemaau.
- Our source said Hon. Pohiva was finalising his decision and would announce his decision on Monday.
- The Prime Minister is believed to be considering replacing Dr Eke because he abstained in last week’s unsuccessful vote of no confidence against Hon. Pohiva.
For more information
Nobles have put vote behind them, Lord Tu’ilakepa tells Kaniva
