Commentary – Although the government must continue strengthening democratic structures that prioritise journalism, the statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office ahead of tomorrow’s inaugural press conference signals more than routine communication; it marks a reset.
For the first time since Tonga’s 2010 Democratic Reforms, the organisation of the government press conference reflects a deliberate move toward formality, clarity, and institutional respect, rather than openness without structure.
The introduction of weekly press conferences by former governments was widely welcomed as a democratic advance. It signalled a willingness to face the media regularly and to speak directly to the public.
That approach aligned well with post‑2010 expectations of transparency and open government.
Over time, however, weaknesses became evident.
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With few boundaries around question scope or format, press conferences sometimes drifted away from policy substance. Questions occasionally moved into personal areas unrelated to governance, while others lacked relevance to Cabinet responsibility.
The result, at times, was unnecessary tension, unfocused exchanges, and responses that diminished the stature of both the office and the forum itself.
More problematic was the fact that previous press conferences were livestreamed to the public on social media, where exchanges involving both ministers and journalists were often subjected to intense public reaction, including criticism and, at times, ridicule.
More mature model
The Prime Minister’s Office announcement yesterday signals a different approach.
It states that this is a formal national press conference, clearly defined in purpose, scope, duration, and protocol. Cabinet Ministers will present their 100‑Day Work Plans, allowing the public to understand—through the media—what the government intends to deliver in its initial period.
Importantly, journalists are invited to ask questions specifically related to these work plans. Far from limiting scrutiny, this focus encourages sharper, more relevant questioning and more meaningful answers.
Restoring respect for the forum
Several aspects of the new arrangements reflect a conscious effort to strengthen the standing of the press conference itself:
- Defined camera placement and broadcast rules
- Visible identification of journalists by media outlet
- Time limits on questions
- A fixed one‑hour duration
- Proceedings conducted in the Tongan language
- A national dress requirement reflecting the dignity of the event
Taken together, these measures transform the press conference from an arena of ad hoc questioning—frequently met with claims that ministers are unavailable—into a civic forum of national importance that acknowledges both the role of the media and the authority of the offices represented.
This is a signal of confidence, not control.
Transparency with discipline
Some may question whether limiting the scope of questions risks narrowing accountability. However, this is precisely the purpose of a press conference: it is intended to be brief, focused, and direct, concentrating on the key issue the government seeks to communicate clearly to an attentive and informed public.
Other matters should be directed to the relevant authorities.
The Prime Minister’s Office statement makes this clear by instructing that questions outside the session’s scope be submitted directly to the Prime Minister’s Press Office, thereby clarifying how and where different forms of accountability should take place.
From Silence to Structure
It is hoped that the Prime Minister will treat this opportunity for public submission with the seriousness it warrants and formally entrench the approach within a legal framework.
Historically, journalists have raised persistent concerns that requests for comment or clarification directed to government ministries were frequently ignored or went unanswered, reflecting a lack of seriousness in the government’s stated commitment to transparency and accountability.
At times, the government advised journalists during press conferences that additional information would be provided later to clarify issues, creating the impression of openness and transparency. However, the promised press releases were often never issued, leaving the media with no further details.
Worse still, some past prime ministers lost their temper and publicly scolded journalists during press conferences. In one instance, a prime minister even ridiculed a female journalist who had emailed him with tough questions about his policies.
A promising signal
As the Fakafanua administration’s first formal press conference, the organisational choices being made matter. They suggest a government that seeks new ways to engage more effectively with the media—not by retreating from scrutiny, but by professionalising its approach.
If sustained, this model has the potential to strengthen both governance and journalism, improving policy scrutiny while preserving respect for national office.
It is a quiet change, but a meaningful one.
Since 2010, Tonga has sought not only democratic openness, but democratic maturity. Tomorrow’s press conference appears to mark a step in that direction.
