Tonga: King Tupou VI continues to solidify control over foreign affairs

On 5 August, the Tonga Legislative Assembly passed His Majesty’s Diplomatic Bill 2025 to legalise the functions and operations of His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, to replace the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The bill transfers the authority to regulate diplomatic and consular relations, and the management of immigration services from the Legislative Assembly to King Tupou VI and his cabinet. The bill was tabled by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, who is the current Foreign Affairs and Defence Minister. Last year, both ministries were at the centre of a disagreement between King Tupou VI and former Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Saiosi Sovaleni. While pro-democracy advocates have petitioned the King to reconsider his assent to the bill, other citizens expressed their support.

Assessment: The bill’s passing serves as a continuation of King Tupou VI’s assertion of control over foreign relations, including defence. Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala will almost certainly run the ministries’ daily operations rather than the King himself. It also demonstrates King Tupou VI’s influence on Prime Minister ʻAisake Eke’s administration. The replacement and name-change from Ministry of Foreign Affairs to His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services seeks to emphasise the King’s control over foreign relations for the long term.

Sources: “Parliament Passes His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service Bill 2025,” Parliament of Tonga, August 8, 2025; “New bill gives Tonga's King control over diplomacy,” RNZ, August 14, 2025; “Tongans divided over bill granting monarch control of key ministries,” RNZ, August 19, 2025