Samoa: Prime Minister Fiame maintains her position, further challenges will be through the courts

On 15 January, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, the Deputy Minister, and four cabinet ministers were removed from the governing FAST Party. FAST Chairman La'auli Leuatea Schmidt was backed by 19 other members for the move - Lau’auli along with 3 others were earlier removed from their ministerial positions following multiple charges against Lau’auli (see PACSUM #12, 2-15 January 2025). On 17 January, PM Fiame held private talks with the opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and on 20 January, Schmidt announced FAST would not seek a motion of no confidence against PM Fiame nor a snap election. However, during Parliament’s first sitting on 21 January, Schmidt submitted a letter to the Speaker questioning the eligibility of PM Fiame and the other FAST members to maintain their seats. The Speaker dismissed Schmidt’s letter and stated PM Fiame’s eligibility was a legal question. Tuilaepa announced his support for PM Fiame during the session.

Assessment: With the backing of the opposition leader and Speaker, PM Fiame survived Schmidt’s challenge for the Prime Ministerialship. The only avenue left for Schmidt is through legal action. However, 20 seats out of a total 53 seats in Samoa’s Parliament remain with Schmidt, which means that PM Fiame will have to work closely with the Opposition in order to progress government action, which will be critical leading to the next general election in early 2026. PM Fiame will have a challenging time trying to win back some FAST members who have initially sided with Schmidt, ward off possible legal action, and balance opposition demands for their continued loyalty. Political violence is highly unlikely, no protest action has occurred during the current turmoil within FAST and historically disputes are handled through the courts.

Sources: Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson and Lilomaiava Maina Vai, “Samoa Political Update: Fiame Prevails,” Devpolicy Blog, January 22, 2025; “Samoa PM Addresses Parliament Amid Political Turmoil.” Islands Business, January 23, 2025; Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong, “PM Fiame and Tuilaepa Hold Talks, Security Tightened.” Samoa Observer, January 17, 2025; Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong, “Speaker Rejects No Confidence Move.” Samoa Observer, January 21, 2025; Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, “Samoa PM Addresses Parliament Amid Political Turmoil.” RNZ, January 21, 2025; Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong, “We Don't Support a Snap Election: La'auli.” Samoa Observer, January 20, 2025; Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong, “FAST Appoints New Executives: Laauli Is Leader and Chairman.” Samoa Observer, January 17, 2025;  “13 Associate Ministers Terminated.” Samoa Global News, January 17, 2025; “Samoa: FAST Chairman Removes PM from Party.” RNZ, January 16, 2025.