Tongan King Assumes Control of Foreign Affairs and Defense, Sparking Democracy Concerns

Published in Politics and Government on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 1:43 GMT by rnz
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The youngest daughter of late Tongan PM 'Akilisi Pohiva and leader of the Friendly Islands Democratic Party says pro-democracy campaigners are "completely against" King Tupou VI's decision.

In a significant development shaking the foundations of Tonga's governance, King Tupou VI has assumed direct control over the nation's foreign affairs and defense portfolios, a move that has sparked widespread concern among democracy advocates who view it as a regression toward absolute monarchy. This shift comes amid escalating tensions between the monarchy and the elected government, highlighting the fragile balance of power in the Pacific island kingdom.

The catalyst for this change was the king's decision to withdraw his consent for the current ministers overseeing foreign affairs and defense, effectively forcing their removal. This action stems from a constitutional provision that requires the monarch's approval for key cabinet appointments in these sensitive areas. As a result, Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni has been compelled to relinquish his additional role as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense, roles he had held concurrently. The king's intervention has been described by critics as an overreach, undermining the progress Tonga has made toward democratic reforms since the landmark changes of 2010.

Tonga, a constitutional monarchy with a population of about 100,000 spread across its archipelago, has long navigated a hybrid system where the king retains substantial influence despite the presence of an elected parliament. The 2010 reforms, initiated under the late King George Tupou V, introduced greater democratic elements, including the election of a majority of parliamentary seats by the public rather than appointment by nobles or the crown. These changes were hailed as a step toward modernizing the kingdom's governance, reducing the monarch's absolute powers, and empowering the people through their representatives.

However, recent events suggest a potential reversal. Democracy advocates, including local activists and international observers, argue that the king's move to control foreign affairs directly contravenes the spirit of these reforms. One prominent voice, Tongan political commentator and former parliamentarian 'Akilisi Pohiva Jr., son of the late pro-democracy leader 'Akilisi Pohiva, has publicly decried the decision as a "step backwards." He emphasized that foreign affairs and defense are critical domains that should remain under the purview of elected officials to ensure accountability and alignment with the will of the people. Pohiva Jr. pointed out that this consolidation of power in the monarchy could isolate Tonga internationally, especially at a time when the kingdom relies heavily on foreign aid and diplomatic relations with powers like China, Australia, and New Zealand.

The backdrop to this controversy includes ongoing disputes over policy directions. Reports indicate that tensions arose from differing views on Tonga's foreign engagements, particularly with China, which has been expanding its influence in the Pacific through infrastructure projects and loans. The king, known for his conservative stance, may be seeking to steer these relations in a direction he deems more aligned with traditional values or national security interests. Additionally, the defense portfolio's control is significant given Tonga's participation in regional security arrangements and its vulnerability to climate change-induced threats, such as rising sea levels and natural disasters.

Critics fear this could set a precedent for further erosion of democratic institutions. The Tongan parliament, while elected, still includes a number of seats reserved for nobles, who are appointed by the king, creating an inherent bias toward monarchical influence. Advocacy groups like the Pacific Islands Forum and human rights organizations have expressed concern, urging dialogue to preserve democratic gains. They argue that without checks and balances, Tonga risks sliding back into the autocratic rule that characterized much of its history before 2010.

Supporters of the king's action, however, maintain that it is within his constitutional rights and necessary to safeguard national interests. They point to the king's role as a stabilizing force in a nation where political instability has occasionally flared, such as the riots in 2006 that prompted the 2010 reforms. The monarch's defenders argue that foreign affairs, involving sensitive diplomacy and potential alliances, require the impartial oversight only the crown can provide, free from the partisan squabbles of elected politicians.

This development has also drawn attention to the broader context of monarchy in the Pacific. Tonga remains one of the few absolute monarchies left in the world, though tempered by its constitution. Comparisons are being made to other Pacific nations like Samoa and Fiji, which have transitioned toward more robust democratic systems, albeit with their own challenges. In Tonga, the king's move has prompted calls for constitutional amendments to clarify and limit monarchical powers in executive functions.

The immediate fallout includes the resignation of Foreign Minister Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu, who stepped down amid the controversy, citing the need for stability. Prime Minister Sovaleni, while complying with the king's directive, has publicly affirmed his commitment to democratic principles, suggesting potential cabinet reshuffles to fill the voids. Political analysts speculate that this could lead to early elections or further confrontations if the government pushes back against perceived royal overreach.

Internationally, the response has been measured but watchful. New Zealand and Australia, key partners in the region, have reiterated their support for democratic governance in Tonga without directly intervening. The United States, through its Pacific strategy, has also emphasized the importance of transparent and accountable institutions. Meanwhile, China's embassy in Nuku'alofa has remained silent, though observers note that any shift in foreign policy control could affect ongoing projects like the controversial Chinese-funded developments.

Democracy advocates are mobilizing, with petitions and public forums emerging to discuss the implications. They stress that true progress in Tonga requires not just elections but the empowerment of institutions free from undue monarchical influence. As one advocate put it, "The king should be a symbol of unity, not the arbiter of policy." The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this episode marks a temporary hiccup or a deeper regression in Tonga's democratic journey.

This situation underscores the unique challenges faced by small island nations in balancing tradition with modernity. Tonga's rich cultural heritage, rooted in centuries of monarchical rule, clashes with contemporary demands for representation and transparency. As the kingdom grapples with these tensions, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that strengthens rather than weakens its democratic fabric. The king's control over foreign affairs may ensure short-term stability, but at the potential cost of long-term legitimacy and international goodwill.

Read the Full rnz Article at:
[ https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/570117/tonga-king-s-move-to-control-foreign-affairs-a-step-backwards-democracy-advocates ]

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Tongan King Assumes Control of Foreign Affairs and Defense, Sparking Democracy Concerns