Honourable Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua has resigned as Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, effective from midnight tonight, 3 April 2025.
According to a public statement from the Prime Minister, the resignation was tendered to the Head of State under Article 33(3)(d) of the Constitution. The Prime Minister confirmed discussions took place with Faleomavaega prior to the resignation being accepted.
The decision follows a car accident on the southern coast of Upolu last weekend, after which traffic-related charges were laid against the Minister. In light of the charges, Faleomavaega chose to step down out of respect for the rule of law and to protect the integrity of Cabinet.
The Prime Minister stated that this will allow the former Minister to focus on preparations for his court case, and reaffirmed the principle that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
