New bill gives Tonga’s King control over diplomacy
“His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service Bill 2025 will replace Tonga’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a new entity called His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service.”
“The foreign affairs and defence portfolios were at the centre of a falling-out between King Tupou VI and former Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni last year.”
“Crown Prince Tupouto’a was appointed Foreign Minister and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces in January.”
” ‘The Eke government’s newly passed bill – handing full control of Foreign Affairs back to the monarchy – threatens to unravel Tonga’s fragile democratic progress,’ local media outlet Kaniva Tonga stated in a report.”
See also: ‘Democracy backsliding – King George V’s 2010 warning ignored as Eke gov’t surrenders Foreign Affairs to monarchy’
Via Kaniva Tonga