Kausea Natano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kausea Natano
MP
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Natano in 2023
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| 13th Prime Minister of Tuvalu | |
| In office 19 September 2019 – 26 February 2024 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II Charles III |
| Governor General |
See list
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| Deputy | Minute Alapati Taupo (2019-2022) Kitiona Tausi (2022-2024) |
| Preceded by | Enele Sopoaga |
| Succeeded by | Feleti Teo |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Tuvalu | |
| In office 24 December 2010 – 2 August 2013 |
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| Prime Minister | Willy Telavi |
| Preceded by | Enele Sopoaga |
| Succeeded by | Vete Sakaio |
| Minister of Public Utilities | |
| In office 24 December 2010 – 2 August 2013 |
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| Prime Minister | Willy Telavi |
| Preceded by | Taukelina Finikaso |
| Succeeded by | Vete Sakaio |
| Member of Parliament for Funafuti |
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| In office 25 July 2002 – 26 January 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Ionatana Ionatana Teleke Lauti |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 July 1957 Funafuti |
| Spouse | Selepa Kausea Natano |
Kausea Natano was born on July 5, 1957. He is a politician from Tuvalu. He served as the Prime Minister of Tuvalu from September 2019 to February 2024.
He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for Funafuti. He was first elected as an MP in 2002. He continued to serve until he lost his seat in the 2024 election. Before becoming Prime Minister, Natano was the Deputy Prime Minister. He also served as the Minister for Communications. These roles were part of the Cabinet led by former Prime Minister Willy Telavi.
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Early Life and Career
Before entering politics, Kausea Natano worked in important government jobs. He was the director of customs in Tuvalu. This role involved managing goods coming into and leaving the country.
He also worked as an assistant secretary in the ministry of finance. In this position, he helped with the country's economic plans. These experiences prepared him for his later political roles.
Political Journey
Kausea Natano began his political career in 2002. That year, he was elected to Tuvalu's Parliament. He was re-elected in 2006.
From 2006 to 2010, he served as the Minister for Public Utilities and Industries. This was part of Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia's Cabinet. Natano showed his dedication to public service by winning his parliamentary seat again in the 2010, 2015, and 2019 elections. However, in the 2024 Tuvaluan general election, he did not keep his seat in Parliament.
Deputy Prime Minister (2010–2013)
After the 2010 Tuvaluan general election, Natano ran for Prime Minister. He received seven votes from other MPs. He was just barely defeated by Maatia Toafa, who got eight votes.
In December 2010, Toafa's government was removed from power. This happened through a "motion of no confidence." This means Parliament voted that they no longer supported the Prime Minister. Willy Telavi then became the new Prime Minister. Natano supported Telavi, which helped him become leader. On December 24, Telavi chose Natano to be his Minister for Communications. Natano was also appointed Deputy Prime Minister.
In August 2013, Prime Minister Willy Telavi was removed from office. This was done by the Governor General Sir Iakoba Italeli. Telavi had tried to govern without the support of Parliament. The next day, Parliament held a vote. Natano and the entire Cabinet were removed from their positions. This happened because the opposition party had gained more votes.
Prime Minister (2019–2024)
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After the 2019 Tuvaluan general election, Kausea Natano was elected Prime Minister. This happened on September 19, 2019. He won with a vote of 10 to 6 among the members of Parliament.
During his time as Prime Minister, Tuvalu's economy faced challenges. This was mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tuvalu quickly limited travel to Funafuti International Airport in early 2020. The government created rules for international travel to keep people safe.
Tuvalu managed to stay free of COVID-19 infections. They also started a vaccine program. By April 2022, most people were vaccinated. About 85% of 12-17-year-olds had their first vaccine dose. Around 90% of adults were fully vaccinated.
In 2023, Tuvalu lifted its COVID-19 restrictions. The economy had faced difficulties. In 2020, the economy shrank by 4.3%. However, it started to recover in 2021, growing by 1.8%. Prices for goods also increased in 2022. This was due to a drought affecting food production and rising global food prices.
In September 2023, the World Bank approved a grant of US$11.5 million for Tuvalu. This money helps Tuvalu prepare for and respond to natural disasters. It also helps build stronger buildings.
Climate Change Efforts
During Natano's time as Prime Minister, Tuvalu worked on climate change issues. They continued the National Adaptation Programme of Action. This plan helps Tuvalu deal with the effects of climate change. One important project was the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP).
His government also continued a project to update Tuvalu's Constitution. This project started in 2016. On September 5, 2023, Tuvalu's Parliament passed the Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023. The changes to the Constitution became law on October 1, 2023.
The 2023 changes to the Constitution are very important. They address how Tuvalu's borders will be defined if sea level rise causes the country to lose land.
The Constitution now states that Tuvalu will remain a country forever. This is true even if climate change causes physical land loss. It also says that Tuvalu's area includes all its maritime zones. These zones are measured from specific points.
Tuvalu and other Pacific Ocean countries support this idea. They believe their maritime zones should not shrink due to climate change. In August 2021, leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum agreed on this. They stated that their ocean boundaries should stay the same.
Foreign Policy
After the 2019 Tuvaluan general election, Natano became Prime Minister. He replaced Enele Sopoaga. Natano's government continued Tuvalu's strong relationship with Taiwan.
In November 2023, Natano signed the Falepili Union. This is a special agreement with Australia. Under this agreement, Australia gives more money to the Tuvalu Trust Fund. It also helps with the TCAP project. The agreement also allows Tuvalu citizens to move to Australia. This helps people who might need to relocate due to climate change.
Personal Life
Kausea Natano is married to Selepa Kausea Natano.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Enele Sopoaga |
Prime Minister of Tuvalu 2019–2024 |
Succeeded by Feleti Teo |
See also
In Spanish: Kausea Natano para niños
- Politics of Tuvalu
- 2010 Tuvaluan general election
- Natano Ministry
