Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has announced a temporary suspension of the Samoa Observer from his weekly press conferences, citing concerns about accuracy, fairness, and breaches of ethical reporting.
The decision was issued in a press statement dated 17 November 2025. The Prime Minister said it has been nine weeks since the FAST Government took office and eight of those weeks he was in New Zealand receiving medical treatment. He said several articles and editorials published during his absence prompted the suspension.
According to the statement, the Prime Minister referred to an editorial suggesting a division between himself and the Deputy Prime Ministers. He said the piece appeared to create discord within Cabinet while he was overseas.
He also addressed reporting about a chair used during a meeting with the New Zealand Foreign Minister. The Prime Minister said the allegation was flagged as fake, and that he had requested clarification from the newspaper but no evidence was provided to the public.
Another article cited by the Prime Minister involved comments attributed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggesting he had been advised not to meet foreign leaders while on medical leave. The Prime Minister said the information appeared to have been leaked and was presented in a way that undermined his authority.
A subsequent follow-up story alleging a meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister, the CEO of Foreign Affairs, and the CEO of the Prime Minister’s Department was also addressed. The MPMC Chief Executive later described the reported meeting as a “phantom meeting,” stating it never took place. The Prime Minister said the Samoa Observer reporter did not verify the story with the officials mentioned. A correction was requested by government but has not been published.
The Prime Minister also raised what he described as an invasion of privacy on Saturday, 16 November, when three newspaper reporters and photographers entered his property after returning home from New Zealand. He said they trespassed onto his private residence despite police at the gate instructing them not to enter.
He noted that while media competition is expected, reporting must remain fair, factual, and responsible given the influence media has on public trust. He said some articles were published without sufficient verification or an opportunity for response.
The statement encourages the Media Council to examine the concerns raised and consider how responsible journalism can be strengthened within the existing self-regulatory framework.
The Prime Minister said the suspension of the Samoa Observer from his press engagements takes effect immediately. He said he remains committed to a free press but expects media outlets to uphold ethical standards, including respect and fairness consistent with fa’aaloalo.
The decision, he said, may be reconsidered if the newspaper demonstrates a renewed commitment to factual and responsible reporting.
This story is based on a press statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
