Samoa: Amid personnel health concerns, new Prime Minister highly likely to continue policies of last government
On 22 September, Samoa’s newly elected Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, announced in a Facebook livestream that he was in a stable condition. PM Schmidt departed Samoa via a private medical flight the previous day, shortly after having been formally sworn in along with his new government on 16 September. Media reporting indicates he will remain in convalescence in New Zealand for a further week. Prior to his departure, PM Schmidt announced that the budget will be the government’s priority, and that he would personally take on the foreign affairs, trade, police and prisons portfolios.
Assessment: Aside from the budget, PM Schmidt’s inaugural statements as PM have been vague on policy. This financial focus is appropriate given that some civil servants have not been paid parts of their salaries and allowances for a number of weeks. The secondary focus is likely to reflect PM Schmidt’s FAST party campaign platform regarding improved health care and seeking economic development opportunities. Police and legal reforms initiated under the last government to address increasing drug trafficking are also highly likely to continue - drug crime is the only other policy area specifically mentioned by Schmidt to the media. The foreign affairs portfolio is traditionally taken on by Samoan PM’s regardless of party. PM Schmidt is likely to prefer engaging with traditional partners, but will remain open to other actors offering economic opportunities. PM Schmidt’s personal health, and interference in criminal investigations currently open against him will be two significant ongoing issues affecting his ability to deliver election promises. Attempts to change senior figures in the police and courts will indicate the latter.
Sources: Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo, “A reflection of freedom and independence: PM,” Samoa Observer, September 16, 2025; Bethel Peato-Ale, “War against drugs and security also government,” Samoa Observer, September 17, 2025; Bethel Peato-Ale, “PM admits exhaustion,” Samoa Observer, September 16, 2025; Bethel Peato-Ale, “PM’s family foots medical dash bill,” Samoa Observer, September 22, 2025; Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo, “I am okay, says PM from New Zealand,” Samoa Observer, September 23, 2025.
