FAST versus HRPP will fester for years, regardless of their promises to the nation. The toxic animosity is beyond repair and frankly, we are all sick of it.
Samoa desperately needs peace, respect and love. Values that sit at the heart of our age-old customs and culture.
Samoa Ua Potopoto (SUP) is calling for a fresh conversation. One that begins with maturity and respect. One that will restore integrity to our Government, a government that was once a model for Pacific communities and a respected voice on the international stage.
The Caretaker Minister of Finance, afioga Lautimu’ia Uelese Va’ai, declared that if it weren’t for prudent financial management, HRPP wouldn’t be able to afford what it is now offering to the people. According to Lautimu’ia, Samoa Ua Potopoto (SUP) still holds the books and should keep all campaign promises in check. What he said must have merit. His ministry authored the 2025/26 Budget that was ultimately rejected.
In response, former Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said Fiame’s government did absolutely nothing. He referenced 1982, when HRPP took office and found the country nearly bankrupt. But is he living in the past? He failed to mention the devastating economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which cost the country hundreds of millions.
HRPP should be credited for much of Samoa’s development, but it took them over 30 years to shift Samoa from a Least Developed Country to a Developing Country. That’s a long time, despite the rhetoric suggesting it all happened within a single term. It did not. It took three decades.
People who’ve worked hard to balance the books and manage government spending find it insulting to be called idiots or brainless. They’ve only been in the job for a couple of years, but according to Budget 2025/26 figures, Samoa is in one of the best financial positions in its history. The future looked promising until politics took over.
It’s fascinating what money can do. Many HRPP supporters remained silent for the past four years, with some reportedly switching to FAST. But the moment HRPP promised direct cash into people’s pockets, a wave of supporters returned. The announcement struck a nerve and reignited enthusiasm. Even the campaign music is catchy. There’s a renewed belief that a “saviour” is at our doorstep.
HRPP’s promises are calculated, direct relief for the cost of living, financial support for elders and people with disabilities. But nothing happens if they don’t win office. That’s the clear message, even for FAST supporters.
Looking back, Tuila’epa’s perceived arrogance, especially after winning absolute power in 2016, pushed many to ensure he didn’t return as Prime Minister in 2021. Are we seeing the same pattern again? Is he that confident of an HRPP win? Possibly, but votes are still to be counted.
Tuila’epa is a seasoned political operator. His legal challenges to Fiame’s government, insisting it was illegal, failed twice in Parliament. The only place where such matters can be settled.
But in all this chaos, the lion’s share of Fiame’s struggle sits squarely on La’auli. He was the key figure in the budget’s defeat. He didn’t want her government to retain credibility. He wanted power. That much is clear. Any chance for Samoa to allow its first female Prime Minister to complete her term with dignity was crushed. Any cultural reverence for respecting women – gone. The very sister he once praised, honoured with a $60 commemorative note costing several million tala, was politically discarded.
So is it fair to allow Fiame a second term now that the internal resistance is gone? She deserves that chance. Her first term produced a mixed report card, but she has consistently shown humility, intellect, and patience, qualities Samoa needs in a leader right now.
Let the people decide, but let us remember,
E au le ina’ilau a Tinā ma Tama’ita’i.
