Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa on the floor of parliament, 21 January, 2025 Photo: Parliament of Samoa
Samoa's parliamentary sitting is now underway, with a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa as the main order of business.
Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, who is also the head of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), filed the no-confidence motion last week, after weeks of political infighting among the members of the ruling FAST Party.
The parliament session began with some objections to the proceedings, as the constitutionality of Fiame's minority government has been challenged in the courts.
However, Speaker Papalii Lio Masipua ruled the matter was now before parliament, and Fiame, quoting a bible verse, advocated for the vote against her leadership to proceed.
The Speaker of the House has shared the letter concerning the terms of the motion.
Cabinet minister Olo Vaai intervened, questioning the Papalii about whether the matter should be left to the courts since it is currently before them.
"This is an important issue," he remarked.
Deputy leader of the opposition Leala Rimoni said the courts have ordered to set aside the HRPP hearing until the conclusion of Tuesday's parliamentary sitting.
Fiame offered reassuring words to her faction and the ministers, advising them not to worry and to let the process unfold, again citing a biblical quote.
Tuilaepa noted that this situation has occurred twice in the past 14 years: first in 1982 under Efi's government, when HRPP emerged victorious, and again in 1985 under, Tofilau Eti Alesana.
"Parliament should be dissolved," he said.
The sitting continues.
