Tongan Prime Minister Resigns Before No-Confidence Vote

Siaosi Sovaleni steps down after prolonged tensions with the monarchy and rising political pressures.

Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni resigned on Monday just before a planned no-confidence vote in Tonga's parliament, halting the motion.
The resignation follows a year of strained relations with King Tupou VI, who had previously withdrawn confidence in Sovaleni as defense minister.
Sovaleni cited acting in the best interests of Tonga in his emotional address to lawmakers but did not provide specific reasons for his decision.
The no-confidence motion reportedly stemmed from concerns over government spending, the performance of the national airline, and a legal case involving the central bank.
Tonga’s 26-member parliament, comprising elected representatives and nobles, will vote on a new prime minister on December 24.