Tonga has extended the current caretaker government arrangements until the new government Cabinet is appointed by the king.
It is understood the Prime Minister-elect was in New Zealand over the weekend, and he was expected to meet the king.
It has been reported that part of the meeting was concerning his appointment.
The Prime Minister’s Office made the announcement this afternoon, saying the “Government is resuming work today, Monday, 6 January 2025”.
It said the government services “shall continue as usual”.
“The Government is currently on “caretaker mode” under the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu and the current Cabinet Ministers.
“During the caretaker period Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies shall not make or enter into any new financial commitments by or on behalf of the Government and no new policies are to be made or implemented.
“The caretaker Government will continue until the appointment process for the Prime Minister Designate, Hon.
Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke and the appointment of his new Cabinet Ministers is completed in accordance with the Act of Constitution of Tonga.
“This process is anticipated to be completed within the next few weeks.
“The new Government under the Prime Minister Designate will commence work for His Majesty’s Government once the legal appointment process of the Prime Minister Designate and the new Cabinet Ministers is completed.
“After this is completed, the appointments of the current Cabinet Ministers will be revoked.
“These arrangements are made pursuant to the Act of Constitution of Tonga, the Laws of Tonga and Government Policy Directives.
The Office of the Prime Minister will issue a Public Announcement in due course of the commencement of the New Government”.
