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His Majesty King Tupou VI officially opened the 2025 Parliamentary Session today, delivering a firm call for greater accountability, integrity, and transparency in the conduct of government.

In his Address from the Throne, the King reiterated his message from the close of the 2024 Parliamentary session, urging the government to manage public funds responsibly and in strict accordance with the law.

His Majesty said, “It is the duty of the government to ensure every public fund is accounted for, managed according to the law, and documented effectively for the benefit of the nation,”

Health and Education Priorities

The King stressed the importance of continued preparedness in the health sector, highlighting the need for vigilance against future pandemics like COVID-19 and outbreaks such as dengue fever.

On education, His Majesty called for a comprehensive review of existing policies, with an emphasis on reversing poor decisions that have negatively affected the school system. He raised particular concern about the growing emigration of skilled professionals, including doctors and nurses, and called on Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly to urgently address this issue.

Human Capital and Economic Growth

Underscoring the link between national development and human capital, King Tupou VI affirmed that quality education and reliable healthcare are foundational to economic progress. A well-educated population, he noted, enhances the nation’s capacity to attract foreign investment and seize global employment opportunities.

“Without strong education, foreign investment becomes difficult and short-term employment opportunities abroad are limited,” the King said.

He emphasized the importance of aligning Tonga’s education system with international standards to support long-term economic benefits, particularly through remittances, which remain vital to the national economy.

International Support and Democratic Reform

His Majesty expressed gratitude to international donors for their ongoing assistance, which enables both Parliament and Cabinet to fulfil their responsibilities.

With a general election scheduled for later this year, he praised the peaceful conduct of previous elections and urged continued reform of the electoral process. He emphasized that these reforms must genuinely serve the interests of the people—not political or personal agendas.

“There is always room for improvement. Cabinet and Parliament must work together to strengthen our democratic process for the benefit of our people,” he stated.

The King’s address clearly outlines the expectations for national leadership in 2025: act with integrity, serve the public interest, and guide Tonga’s development through principled governance.

Select Committee Appointed

In response to the Royal Address, the Lord Speaker announced the formation of a nine-member Select Committee tasked drafting a reply to His Majesty’s address from the throne.

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