Samoa: Court to decide the fate of Prime Minister Fiame, Speaker of Parliament, and his deputy
On 6 March, Prime Minister (PM) Fiame Naomi Mataafa defeated a second motion of no confidence (MONC) in two weeks with 32 out of 51 votes. The MONC was moved by the chairman and leader of the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party La’auli Leuatea Schmidt. PM Fiame won through a majority provided by opposition members from the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP). Earlier, on [DD Month], the HRPP withdrew their Supreme Court case to remove the PM Fiame. Before the second MONC was decided, the Minister of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, on behalf of the cabinet, submitted a motion for the removal of the Speaker of the Parliament, Papali’i Li’o Taeu Masipau, and his Deputy, Auapa’au Mulipola Aloitafua. The Minister cited conflict of interest, undermining Parliament’s integrity, violation of separation of powers, improper exercise of discretion, and the Speaker’s declaration that he would not entertain a MONC in parliament as reasons for the MONC. The Speaker of Parliament rejected the MONC move against him and his deputy, leading the Cabinet to resort to the courts to seek clarification.
Assessment: Conflicting interests between the HRPP and FAST party over who will become the next Prime Minister almost certainly accounts for the second MONC defeat. All matters regarding the removal of the Prime Minister and the Speaker are likely to be debated and resolved in the courts rather than Parliament. PM Fiame has continuously stated she will respect any court finding on her ability to continue as PM, and therefore, while split loyalties within the FAST party are likely to see individuals shift between PM Fiame and Schmidt, political violence is highly unlikely.
Sources: Shalveen Chand, “Fiame stays on, La'auli's no-confidence motion defeated,” Samoa Observer, March 6, 2025; Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi, “Cabinet takes fight to court,” Samoa Observer, March 9, 2025; Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong, “Negotiations start to overthrow PM,” Samoa Observer, March 5, 2025; Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi, “Grounds from the Cabinet for the Speaker and deputy speaker to step down,” Samoa Observer, March 6, 2025; Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi, “HRPP withdraws Fiame's removal case,” Samoa Observer, February 28 2025.
