Tonga government to ‘talanoa’ with King about “unconstitutional” directive

Tonga’s Acting Prime Minister, Samiuela Vaipulu says the government will resolve its differences with the King “the Pacific Way”.

This comes after the government rejected a directive from the Privy Council, which said King Tupou VI was revoking the ministerial appointments for defence, held by Prime Minister Hu’akavameilku, and foreign affairs held by Fekita ‘Utoikamanu.

Tonga’s Attorney-General, Linda Folaumoetu’i advised the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the Privy Council’s letter stating that the King’s directive was unconstitutional.

Vaipulu told journalists at a news conference on Wednesday that they have relayed the Attorney-General’s advice to the Palace Office.

“We are still awating for a time to have an audience with His Majesty and we can find a way forward,” he said. “We do it the Pacific Way. We talanoa,” he said.