Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa maintains her Leadership

APIA, Samoa — Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa has retained her seat as Samoa’s Speaker of the House, Papaliʻi Liʻo Taeu Masipau, rejected calls from her own Party to remove her and several other MPs.

The turmoil within Samoa’s ruling Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party stems from internal divisions following criminal charges against Laʻauli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, the party chairman and former Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Fiames decision to remove Laʻauli from Cabinet after he refused to step down exacerbated tensions, leading to dissent among party members. A faction within FAST, including some Cabinet Ministers and Associate Ministers, questioned Fiame’s leadership, ultimately triggering attempts to oust her from both the party and her position as Prime Minister. These events have highlighted the fragility of party unity as Samoa prepares for elections.

“The Speaker of the House cannot make a decision that would result in the vacating of these seats. The process must align with the rule of law,” Papaliʻi stated, dismissing claims of a lack of confidence in Fiame’s leadership and alleged discussions between the Government and opposition.

Opposition leader Tuilaepa Saʻilele Malielegaoi expressed his support for Fiame, noting he handed the Government to her to lead after the last election.

Addressing Parliament, Fiame reaffirmed her commitment to the rule of law and acknowledged the challenges within the FAST Party. “My leadership defers to the rule of law. These challenges are not unprecedented,” she said.

This development comes as Samoa braces for elections in 2026 amid ongoing political tensions.