1 Jun 2021

No confidence motion filed against Vanuatu government

11:25 am on 1 June 2021

Vanuatu's opposition has filed a motion of no confidence against the government of prime minister Bob Loughman.

The opposition accuses the government of excessive spending on self-interest in a time of national crisis.

Vanuatu PM, Bob Loughman, outside the courthouse

Prime Minister Bob Loughman will face his first no-confidence motion on Monday. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Hilaire Bule

The country's economy has been hammered by the loss of tourism caused by the pandemic and Cyclone Harold, which caused extensive damage a year ago.

The opposition also accuses the government of mismanaging scholarships and failing to discipline MPs.

The motion is expected to be debated next Monday, with the opposition needing the support of 27 members to change the government.

In a country where such motions are common, this will be the first attempt to oust Mr Loughman since he formed a government a year ago.