Tonga: Prime Minister Fakafanua and King Tupou VI expected to remain generally aligned

Around 22 December, Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukālala was reappointed as Tonga’s Foreign Minister. The reappointment occurred one day after the United States imposed a travel ban on Tongan nationals which the Crown Prince’s Ministry had been responsible for since June 2025. Separately, on 26 December, Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua submitted his proposed list of ministers to King Tupou VI, with one media report indicating the King had returned the list once already for revision. The Tongan Government is officially expected to begin work again on 5 January after the Christmas and New Year shutdown.

Assessment: While nominees remain undisclosed, appointments will likely favour those who supported Lord Fakafanua during the parliamentary vote for Prime Minister. This is a mix of Noble and People’s representatives. The PM and King will very likely maintain general cohesion, allowing the King to exercise direction over foreign affairs and defence through the Crown Prince, while allowing PM Fakafanua to lead on domestic and economic policy under close oversight.

Sources: Kalino Latu, “Crown Prince renominated as Foreign Minister amid failed bid to block US travel sanctions,” Kaniva, 22 December 2025; Kalino Latu, “PM Fakafanua addresses Cabinet lineup delay; Urges public to ignore rumours,” Kaniva, 22 December 2025; “PM submits Cabinet nominations to King ahead of new parliamentary year,” RNZ, 27 December 2025.