ʻAisake Eke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
ʻAisake Eke
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Eke in 2025
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| Prime Minister of Tonga | |
| Assumed office 22 January 2025 |
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| Monarch | Tupou VI |
| Deputy | Taniela Fusimalohi |
| Preceded by | Samiu Vaipulu (acting) |
| Minister of Finance and National Planning | |
| Assumed office 28 January 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Tiofilusi Tiueti |
| In office 13 January 2014 – 6 March 2017 |
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| Prime Minister | Lord Tuʻivakano ʻAkilisi Pohiva |
| Preceded by | Lisiate ‘Akolo |
| Succeeded by | Tevita Lavemaau |
| Minister for Fisheries | |
| Assumed office 28 January 2025 |
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| Minister for Prisons | |
| Assumed office 28 January 2025 |
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| Preceded by | Samiu Vaipulu |
| Member of the Tongan Parliament for Tongatapu 5 |
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| Assumed office 18 November 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Losaline Maʻasi |
| In office 25 November 2010 – 16 November 2017 |
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| Preceded by | New constituency |
| Succeeded by | Losaline Maʻasi |
| Majority | 2.2% |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Tonga |
| Political party | Independent |
ʻAisake Valu Eke is an important politician from Tonga. He became the Prime Minister of Tonga on January 22, 2025. Before that, he was also a Minister in the Tongan government, looking after finance and national planning from 2014 to 2017.
Contents
His Education
ʻAisake Eke studied economics at the University of the South Pacific in the 1980s. Later, he earned a special advanced degree called a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Southern Queensland in Australia. He finished this in 2013, after writing about how public services in Tonga could be better.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
Before becoming a Member of Parliament, ʻAisake Eke worked as the Secretary for Finance in Tonga's Ministry of Finance. He was first chosen to be a member of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga in November 2010. He represented the area called Tongatapu 5.
Standing as an Independent Candidate
Even though he was close to the Democratic Party of the Friendly Islands, he decided to run for election as an independent candidate. This means he didn't belong to a political party. He won his seat with 24.1% of the votes. His area, Tongatapu 5, was the only one on Tonga's main island, Tongatapu, not won by the Democratic Party.
Focus on the Economy
After being elected, he told reporters that a lot of work was needed to make Tonga's economy stronger. He believed the government should help private businesses grow.
Speaking Up for Public Money
In October 2011, ʻAisake Eke and several other Members of Parliament spoke out against a decision. Parliament was voting to give large payments to members who were sick and traveling overseas. Eke felt that politicians should not spend more public money on themselves when the country's economy was not strong. He was one of eight Members of Parliament who voted against these increased payments. However, the motion was still approved by a vote of twelve to eight.
Serving as Finance Minister
In January 2014, the Prime Minister at the time, Lord Tuʻivakano, chose ʻAisake Eke to be the Minister of Finance. This happened after the previous minister, Lisiate ‘Akolo, left his position. Eke continued in this role when ʻAkilisi Pohiva became Prime Minister.
Leaving the Finance Role
In March 2017, there was a vote in Parliament about whether the government should continue. ʻAisake Eke chose not to vote. Because of this, he had to resign from his position as Finance Minister. He then lost his seat in the election later that year.
Returning to Parliament
ʻAisake Eke was re-elected to represent 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 position with 16 votes. In May 2022, a court cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Becoming Prime Minister
On December 24, 2024, ʻAisake Eke was chosen by the Legislative Assembly of Tonga to be the new Prime Minister. He won against Viliami Latu with 16 votes to eight. King Tupou VI officially appointed Eke as Prime Minister on January 22, 2025.
His New Cabinet
His team of ministers, called the cabinet, was announced on January 28, 2025. This cabinet included four new members of parliament, two of whom were women. It also included a noble, Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, who became the foreign minister.
Airport Decision
In February 2025, Prime Minister Eke announced that the government would change a previous decision. The earlier government had planned to make Vavaʻu International Airport a private airport, but Eke's government decided to reverse that plan.
Honours and Awards
ʻAisake Eke received the title of Commander in the Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III on July 31, 2008. This is a special award in Tonga.
See also
In Spanish: ʻAisake Eke para niños
