ʻAisake Eke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable ʻAisake Eke
Eke in 2025
Prime Minister of Tonga
Incumbent
Assumed office 22 January 2025
Monarch	Tupou VI
Deputy	Taniela Fusimalohi
Preceded by	Samiu Vaipulu (acting)
Minister of Finance and National Planning
Incumbent
Assumed office 28 January 2025
Preceded by	Tiofilusi Tiueti
In office 13 January 2014 – 6 March 2017
Prime Minister	Lord Tuʻivakano ʻAkilisi Pohiva
Preceded by	Lisiate ‘Akolo
Succeeded by	Tevita Lavemaau
Minister for Fisheries
Incumbent
Assumed office 28 January 2025
Minister for Prisons
Incumbent
Assumed office 28 January 2025
Preceded by	Samiu Vaipulu
Member of the Tongan Parliament for Tongatapu 5
Incumbent
Assumed office 18 November 2021
Preceded by	Losaline Maʻasi
In office 25 November 2010 – 16 November 2017
Preceded by	New constituency
Succeeded by	Losaline Maʻasi
Majority	2.2%
Personal details
Born	Tonga
Political party	Independent

ʻAisake Valu Eke is a well-known politician from Tonga, a country in the Pacific Ocean. He became the Prime Minister of Tonga on January 22, 2025. Before this, he also served as the Minister of Finance and National Planning from 2014 to 2017.

Learning and Education

ʻAisake Eke studied economics at the University of the South Pacific in the 1980s. Later, he earned a special degree called a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Southern Queensland in Australia. He finished his studies in 2013.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

Before becoming a politician, ʻAisake Eke worked as a Secretary for Finance. He was first elected to the Tongan Parliament in November 2010. He ran as an independent candidate, meaning he didn't belong to a specific political party.

He won the seat for Tongatapu 5, which is a part of Tongatapu, Tonga's main island. He was the only independent candidate to win a seat on Tongatapu that year. After being elected, he told reporters that he wanted to help improve Tonga's economy. He believed the government should support private businesses.

In October 2011, he spoke out against Parliament members voting for large allowances for themselves. These allowances were for MPs who were sick and receiving treatment overseas. ʻAisake Eke felt that politicians should not spend more public money on themselves. This was especially true when the country's economy was not strong. He and seven other MPs voted against the idea, but it still passed.

Serving as Finance Minister

In January 2014, the Prime Minister at the time, Lord Tuʻivakano, chose ʻAisake Eke to be the Minister of Finance. He kept this important job when ʻAkilisi Pohiva became Prime Minister.

However, in March 2017, there was a vote in Parliament to decide if the government should continue. ʻAisake Eke chose not to vote. Because of this, he had to resign from his position. He then lost his seat in the election later that year.

He was re-elected to Parliament for Tongatapu 5 in the 2021 election. After this election, he was one of three people who wanted to become Prime Minister. However, Siaosi Sovaleni won the vote and became Prime Minister.

Becoming Prime Minister

On December 24, 2024, ʻAisake Eke was chosen by the Legislative Assembly of Tonga to be the next Prime Minister. He won against another candidate, Viliami Latu. King Tupou VI officially appointed him as Prime Minister on January 22, 2025.

His new government team, called the Cabinet, was announced on January 28. It included four new members of Parliament, two of whom were women. The King's son, Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, also joined the Cabinet as the foreign minister.

In February 2025, Prime Minister Eke announced a big decision. He said that the government would take back control of Vavaʻu International Airport. The previous government had decided to let a private company run it, but Eke's government changed that plan.

Honours and Awards

• He was awarded the Commander of the Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III on July 31, 2008.

See also

In Spanish: ʻAisake Eke para niños