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 (born 5 July 1957) is an important politician from Tuvalu. He served as the Prime Minister of Tuvalu from 2019 to 2024. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for the island of Funafuti.
Mr. Natano was first elected as an MP in 2002. He continued to serve in Parliament until the 2024 election. During his time in politics, he also held other key roles. These included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications. He was part of the government led by former Prime Minister Willy Telavi.
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Early Life and Career
Before entering politics, Kausea Natano had a career in public service. He worked as the director of customs in Tuvalu. He also served as an assistant secretary in the ministry of finance. In this role, he helped with the country's economic plans.
Political Journey
Kausea Natano began his political journey in 2002. That's when he was first elected to Tuvalu's Parliament. He was re-elected in 2006. From 2006 to 2010, he was the Minister for Public Utilities and Industries. This was during Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia's time in office. He continued to be elected as an MP in 2010, 2015, and 2019.
However, in the 2024 Tuvaluan general election, Mr. Natano did not win 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 beaten by Maatia Toafa, who got eight votes.
In December 2010, Maatia Toafa's government was removed. This happened through a "motion of no confidence." This means most MPs voted that they no longer supported the government. Willy Telavi then became the new Prime Minister. Kausea Natano supported Telavi, which helped him become leader. On December 24, Telavi chose Natano to be his Minister for Communications. He also made him the Deputy Prime Minister.
In August 2013, Prime Minister Willy Telavi was removed from office. This was done by the Governor General Sir Iakoba Italeli. The Governor General acted because Telavi tried to govern without the support of Parliament. The next day, Parliament voted. Natano and the entire government were removed from their positions. This happened because the opposition group had gained more votes.
Prime Minister (2019–2024)
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After the 2019 Tuvaluan general election, Kausea Natano was chosen as 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 limited travel to its main airport in early 2020. The government put rules in place for international travel. Tuvalu managed to stay free of COVID-19 infections. It also started a successful vaccine program. By April 2022, most people aged 12-17 had their first vaccine dose. About 90% of adults were fully vaccinated.
The economy was affected, with growth slowing down in 2020. However, it started to recover in 2021. In 2022, prices for goods went up. This was because of a drought that affected food production. Also, global food prices rose after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In September 2023, the World Bank approved a grant for Tuvalu. This was about US$11.5 million (AUD$18 million). This money helps Tuvalu prepare for and respond to natural disasters. It also helps build stronger buildings that can withstand disasters.
Climate Change Efforts
During Natano's time as Prime Minister, Tuvalu worked on plans to adapt to climate change. One important project was the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP). This project helps protect Tuvalu's coastlines from rising sea levels.
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 new Constitution. The changes became official on October 1, 2023.
The new Constitution has a special part about climate change. It says that Tuvalu's borders will stay the same forever. This is true even if climate change causes the country to lose some of its land.
- Section 2(1) states: "The State of Tuvalu... shall remain in perpetuity in the future, notwithstanding the impacts of climate change or other causes resulting in loss to the physical territory of Tuvalu."
- Section 2(2) explains that Tuvalu's area includes all its maritime zones. These zones are measured from specific points.
Tuvalu's government knows that international laws don't fully cover these issues. Many Pacific Ocean countries agree with Tuvalu's position. In 2021, leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum countries made a declaration. They said that their ocean borders should not shrink because of sea-level rise.
International Relations
After the 2019 election, Natano became Prime Minister. He replaced Enele Sopoaga. Sopoaga was known for being very supportive of Taiwan. Natano's government continued to support Taiwan.
In November 2023, Natano signed an agreement with Australia called the Falepili Union. This agreement means Australia will give more money to the Tuvalu Trust Fund. It will also help with the TCAP project. The agreement also allows people from Tuvalu to move to Australia. This helps Tuvaluans who might need to move because of 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
