Tonga’s prime minister abruptly quits amid Pacific power struggle
It was not immediately clear who was in line to replace Siaosi Sovaleni, who has butted heads with Tonga’s influential king
Sovaleni has butted heads with Tonga’s influential King Tupou VI, fuelling speculation of a deepening rift between the royals and his government.
In cryptic remarks delivered before announcing his shock resignation, Sovaleni suggested the country’s nobility was “fearful” of losing its sway.
“I thought this land had been given freedom, but there’s still enslavement,” he told parliament through tears.
“I hope there’s a time where we’ll work together … If the nobility can do it and we can work together, we can achieve great things.”
Sovaleni resigned before facing a vote of no confidence brought on by opposition lawmakers on Monday afternoon.
