Tonga prime minister resigns ahead of no-confidence vote
Al JazeeraNOV 2024
Tonga's Prime Minister Quits Ahead of No-Confidence Vote
Above: Tonga's Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni addresses parliament before his resignation at the Tonga Legislative Assembly in Nuku'alofa on Dec. 9, 2024. Image copyright: Pesi Fonua/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The resignation of Sovaleni was the best decision both for him and for the country, following a stressful tenure and ahead of a no-confidence motion that was likely to pass. Hopefully the next prime minister will be able to lead Tonga until the upcoming general election.
Narrative B
It's never good news when someone like Sovelani is effectively forced to step down due to petty political disputes. Given the US-China geopolitical contest for influence in the Pacific, a strong leader like him is needed now more than ever to strike a policy balance and protect national interests.