The opening of the current session of parliament highlighted the value of Samoan culture as leaders observed proper protocols and set aside internal party politics to focus on the business of the House and the needs of our people.
More importantly, it showed that our Samoan culture can offer peaceful options when individualism brings division and hate.
Unfortunately, the nation understands this calm period may only be temporary as we are again in another constitutional crisis as long as the leadership challenges within the FAST Party remain unresolved.
Based on their social media announcements and letters between their factions, it’s clear that the ruling Party continues to explore increasingly impractical options for survival as the government of the day.
HRPP has carefully considered its position and will not compound the mess that the FAST Party has created by taking any irresponsible actions that could lead to the early dissolution of Parliament and an expedited 2026 general election.
Many MPs do not favour this option which the country cannot afford as the government can barely meet its financial obligations.
However, in these uncertain times, we must think strategically.
Currently, the Prime Minister commands a Cabinet of 15 MPs, six of whom were ousted by the FAST Party.
Laauli, the former Minister of Agriculture who has publicly challenged Fame’s leadership within FAST leads with 20 MPs, while the HRPP holds 18 MPs.
This shifting balance of power has made the situation more unpredictable.
The reality is that the Prime Minister no longer commands the majority in Parliament.
This is a crucial factor that could prompt the Head of State to dissolve Parliament and call for new elections.
Meanwhile, ongoing court cases will undoubtedly shed more light on the unfolding leadership drama and trigger more interesting legal manoeuvres.
If anything, it ensures that Samoa’s political landscape remains exciting as ever.
Our historians and storytellers will certainly have much to talanoa about the five years that Samoa suffered through self-inflicted turmoil and drifting aimlessly in the big blue Pacific Ocean.
We need to bring this ship safely back to shore.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP