Siaosi Sovaleni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Siaosi Sovaleni
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Sovaleni in 2022
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| Prime Minister of Tonga | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 27 December 2021 – 9 December 2024 |
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| Monarch | Tupou VI | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deputy | Poasi Tei | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Samiu Vaipulu (acting) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minister of Education and Training | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 10 October 2019 – 28 January 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa Himself |
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| Preceded by | Penisimani Fifita | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | ʻUhilamoelangi Fasi | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minister for Police, Fire & Emergency Services | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 28 December 2021 – 28 January 2025 |
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| Prime Minister | Himself | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Lord Nuku | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Paula Piukala | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minister for His Majesty's Armed Forces | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office 28 December 2021 – 28 March 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Lord Maʻafu | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Member of the Tongan Parliament for Tongatapu 3 |
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| Assumed office 27 November 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Sitiveni Halapua | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born |
Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni
28 February 1970 |
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| Political party | Independent | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alma mater |
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Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (born 28 February 1970), also known as Hon. Hu‘akavameiliku, is a Tongan politician. He served as the prime minister of Tonga from 2021 until his resignation in 2024. Before becoming Prime Minister, he was a cabinet minister. From 2014 to 2017, he also served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga. He currently holds the estate of Ha'asini village.
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Early Life and Education
Siaosi Sovaleni is the son of Langi Kavaliku, who was also a Deputy Prime Minister. He attended Timaru Boys' High School in New Zealand and finished his studies there in 1988.
University Studies
He went on to study at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. In 1992, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science. Later, he completed a master's degree at the University of Oxford. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji.
Early Career
From 1996 to 2010, Sovaleni worked as a public servant for Tonga's Ministry of Finance. After that, he worked for the Pacific Community and the Asian Development Bank. In 2013, he returned to Tonga to work as the Chief Executive in the Ministry of Public Enterprises.
Political Journey
Siaosi Sovaleni began his political career when he was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga in the 2014 Tongan general election.
Deputy Prime Minister
After the 2014 election, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister. He also became the Minister of Environment and Communications in the Cabinet led by ʻAkilisi Pōhiva. As Communications Minister, he helped pass two laws about internet use in 2015.
Changes in Government
In September 2017, he was removed from his position. This happened because he supported King Tupou VI's decision to dismiss the Prime Minister and call for new elections. Sovaleni ran again in the 2017 Tongan general election. He was re-elected as the only Member of Parliament (MP) from Tongatapu who was not part of the DPFI. He then tried to become Prime Minister but was defeated by Pohiva.
Minister of Education
After the death of ʻAkilisi Pōhiva, Sovaleni supported Pōhiva Tuʻiʻonetoa for Prime Minister. He was then appointed as the Minister for Education and Training in Tuʻiʻonetoa's Cabinet. In January 2021, he received the chiefly title of Hu’akavameiliku, which his father had also held.
2021 Election and Premiership
He was re-elected in the 2021 Tongan general election. He received the most votes of all candidates in that election. After the election, he was one of the main candidates for Prime Minister, along with ʻAisake Eke. On 15 December 2021, he was elected Prime Minister, winning with 16 votes against Eke. He was officially appointed Prime Minister on 27 December. On 29 December 2021, he announced his Cabinet. He kept the Education role and also took on responsibility for Police and the Armed Forces.
Time as Prime Minister (2021–2024)
On 12 March 2022, he tested positive for COVID-19. In February 2024, while Sovaleni was in New Zealand for medical treatment, the King tried to remove him as armed forces minister. The Attorney-General advised the Cabinet that this decision was not allowed by the constitution.
On 4 April 2024, Sovaleni announced that he had resigned as Armed Forces Minister. This was seen as a result of the King no longer having confidence in him. Sovaleni resigned as Prime Minister in December 2024. This happened before a vote of no-confidence was held in parliament.
See also
In Spanish: Siaosi Sovaleni para niños
