Minister of Finance

The National Budget of T$589.6 million for 2020-2021 was passed unanimously by Parliament yesterday, 21- 0, over a week before the deadline on 30 June.

Its easy passage may have been due to a clear presentation by the Minister of Finance, Tevita Lavemaau. Many of the questions from the opposition for clarification and explanation were also answered adequately by the Minister.

Pohiva Tu'ionetoa has been in Australia on medical leave for over three weeks and is not expected to return to Tonga until at least the end of the month.

Reports have been circulating around the kingdom and over the internet that Mr Tu'ionetoa had been dismissed for health reasons.

Mr Pohiva has denied the reports and Mr Tu'ionetoa has attributed them to what he calls "opposition forces".