1 Oct 2021

Lively debate in Samoa's parliament welcomed

From , 6:03 am on 1 October 2021

The lively debate in Samoa's parliament, which features a strong opposition for the first time in decades, has been well received by the public and is already a clear sign of a healthier democracy.

While it did take a constitutional crisis and numerous court appearances to even get to the first sitting our correspondent in Apia, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says after four decades of dominance by the Human Rights Protection Party it was a nice change to see the new FAST government being challenged on its policy decisions.

He joins me now Talofa Tipi so quite an interesting and eventful first sitting of parliament this year?

Samoa's Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa and the leader of the HRPP Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi

Samoa's Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa and the leader of the HRPP Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: Parliament of Samoa