Caretaker Speaker of Parliament Papalii Lio Masipau has denied involvement in a move to nominate the Chairman of the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, Laauli Leuatea Schmidt, as caretaker Prime Minister.
The Samoa Observer newspaper reports Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa promptly met with the Head of State after the proposed 2025/2026 budget was defeated, advising him to dissolve Parliament and to proceed with a general election.
But in an interesting turn of events, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Satama Uitime Leatisa Tala, also went to the Head of State’s residence in Vailele.
He reportedly handed over a letter proposing the nomination of FAST Chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt as caretaker prime minister.
“Don’t be misled by what you hear,” Papalii told the newspaper when asked whether he had written to the Head of State.
He said it was the Clerk’s report that was given to the Head of State “because he reports to him.”
“He is required to report to the Head of State under the Constitution,” Papali’i insisted.
Phone calls and an email to the Clerk seeking comment have gone unanswered.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi denied visiting the Head of State, adding that such a rumor may have been created to counter the move by the FAST majority.
The Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, has since issued a gazetted statement announcing that Parliament will be dissolved June 3, 2025.
Fiame and her cabinet will serve in a caretaker government until the country decides on who will take office after the general elections.
