Allegations of excessive travel spending have rocked Tonga’s political landscape, with claims that three former Cabinet Ministers received a combined total of up to $8 million in travel allowances—$5 million, $2 million, and $1 million, respectively, during the tenure of the former Hu’akavameiliku administration.
Concerns raised during yesterday’s government press conference highlighted the large amount allegedly received by three former ministers, while 25 per cent of Tonga’s population continues to struggle below the poverty line.
The revelation adds a dramatic twist to the already contentious increase in the government’s travel budget, which rose nearly 30 per cent from $13 million to $21 million under former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku’s leadership.
Budget Boost for Diplomacy
The budget hike was previously defended in Parliament by then-Minister of Infrastructure, Seventini Toumoʻua, who claimed the increase was necessary due to the extensive overseas duties required of Cabinet Ministers.
Hu’akavameiliku could not be reached for comment.
However, he had previously justified the spending by stating that international travel was essential for negotiating foreign aid and grants on behalf of Tonga.
More than 50 percent of Tonga’s annual budget relies on foreign donors.
Kaniva News understands that some government travel from Tonga was funded by overseas partners who hosted the meetings for which the travel was intended.
However, critics, including current Minister of Police Piveni Piukala—who was in Opposition at the time—challenged the legitimacy of the increase, alleging that it was not properly brought before Parliament for approval.
Piukala and others also expressed concern over the disproportionate allocation, especially when only $1 million was budgeted to address poverty, which affects approximately 25 per cent of the population.
The controversy intensified when the former Minister of Lands was seen arriving in Australia with his wife and a delegation, claiming the trip was to address land issues for Tongans living abroad.
While some Tongans overseas were pleased with the opportunity to address their land needs, the online community criticised the trip as an unnecessary expense borne by taxpayers.
Millions Spent, Poverty Ignored
The allegations were raised with Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimālohi during a press conference yesterday in Nukuʻalofa.
Former Cabinet Minister ʻEtuate Lavulavu, who also operates the Kalonikali Tonga newspaper, claimed he has evidence that one Minister received up to $5 million, another received $2 million, and a third received $1 million from their travel packages.
Lavulavu also claimed that these amounts included a 40 per cent increase added on top of the standard allowance.
Two former Ministers allegedly spent about three months overseas, travelling from country to country, Lavulavu claimed.
He expressed concern not only about the significant spending of taxpayers’ money, but also about the financial struggles many people are currently facing.
He asked Fusimālohi whether the allegations were true.
Responding, Fusimālohi did not answer Lavulavu’s question directly. Instead, he stated that the government’s travel budget has often doubled—or exceeded—the allocated amount, as shown in official budget documents.
He also remarked that it is not advisable for Ministers to seek luxury while carrying out their official duties.
