Samoa: Growing split within the ruling FAST Party challenges Prime Minister Fiame

On 14 January, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa removed three cabinet ministers. This followed the removal of Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, Chairman of the ruling FAST Party and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Earlier in January, Schmidt had been charged for multiple offences including perverting justice and harassment using electronic media. According to open source media, a number of FAST Party members had called for PM Fiame’s to step down following Schmidt’s removal. Regarding the three ministers, PM Fiame stated she needed good cabinet members that she could be confident to work with.

Assessment: There is a clear split in the governing FAST Party amongst pro-Schmidt and pro-PM Fiame supporters. The removal of ministers is an attempt by PM Fiame to oust pro-Schmidt members, however, this group appears to go beyond the three ministers. At this time, it is unclear who has more support. Three scenarios are possible: PM Fiame ousts Schmidt from FAST, Schmidt ousts PM Fiame from FAST and becomes PM himself, or members of FAST work with the Opposition to bring a motion of no confidence against PM Fiame. PM Fiame’s claims that she can continue as PM even if ousted from FAST are unlikely to be a viable long-term scenario due to the lack of confidence this would demonstrate amongst the ruling party.

Sources: Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, “Police Commissioner Clarifies Charges in Samoa Political Case,” RNZ, January 8, 2025; ABC Pacific, “Samoa's Prime Minister Faces Revolt Within Her Own Party,” Pacific Beat, January 13, 2025; Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, “More Cabinet Ministers Removed in Samoa Political Saga,” RNZ, January 14, 2025.