4 May 2020

Tonga's King to open Parliament via livestream

6:36 am on 4 May 2020

King Tupou VI will officially open Tonga's Parliament on Thursday via livestream, because of Covid-19 restrictions in place.

The Lord Chamberlain, has informed the Speaker of Parliament, the King will deliver his Royal Address from the Palace to the Parliament's Chamber.

(L to R) Tonga's Queen Nanasipau'u and her husband King Tupou VI.

(L to R) Tonga's Queen Nanasipau'u and her husband King Tupou VI. Photo: RNZ

In adherence to the current State of Emergency, only MPs, parliamentary staff and media will be present during the state opening.

Once parliament reconvenes its priority agenda is to consider the national budget for the next financial year which must be passed before 1 July.