HRPP Party Secretary MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi
By Staff Writer
More high political drama is being anticipated in the leadership uncertainties of PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa, when Parliament convenes next week.
FAST party Chairman, Laauli Leauatea Schmidt, has been circulating a signed letter of confirmation that he now has the support of 29 party MPs.
Speaker Papali’i Taeu Masepa’u reportedly signed up in the letter as well to show official support for the FAST Chairman.
The head count gives Chairman Laauli the numbers needed to take over from PM Fiame in a House vote.
The letter was circulated also to the HRPP opposition party.
While the numbers remain to be validated it is enough to spark public speculations on the PM’s next likely move.
Will she dissolve Parliament by advising the Head of State or stay with the resolution already in place leaving it to the Members to make the decision?
The House is called to session next Tuesday 25 February 2025.
The HRPP opposition is also in the picture with announced intentions already to take up a motion of no confidence in the Government.
Party Secretary MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, officially confirmed the plans to move the motion in next week’s session.
“We also filed last Thursday 14 February 2025, for a Judiciary Order against Parliament on the grounds no party has the majority to rule,” MP Lealailepule said.
The HRPP Opposition leadership is concerned over the constitutional crises and has officially informed the Speaker, PM and Head of State about it.
MP Lealailepule is keeping watch on the HRPP motion of no confidence that it is not given the run around in Parliament.
The neutrality of Speaker Papali’i is a concern to MP Lealailepule, after signing up in support of the FAST Chairman La’auli.
Reported comments by the Speaker playing down the leadership split as an internal party issue was soundly rejected by the HRPP Secretary.
“How can that be when FAST is the ruling party,’ MP Lealailepule questioned while referring also to the last session in Parliament when Govt. MPs moved from their side of the House to sit together with the opposition party.
House seating arrangements require the opposition MPs to sit on the left side of the Speaker and the ruling party MPs on his right.
“How can the Government and the whole country not directly be affected when the ruling party leadership is split up?
“We will keep a close watch on the Speakers action and if we have to then we will take the matter to court,” MP Lealailepule vowed.
The HRPP secretary asserted that it is obvious the break up between PM Fiame and Chairman Laauli cannot be resolved.
“It will not return to any good so the best solution for everyone is to return to the voters to make the decision.
“Fiame does not have the numbers nor does Laauli and us too, unless there is a coalition between the PM and us or Chairman La’auli for that matter.”
MP Lealailepule scoffed at denials by Laauli that Government has no money to hold a general elections.
“There is a 3% unforeseen expenditure allowed in the budget for unexpected costs to tap into plus many other sources of finance to meet the costs.”