Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt Sworn in as Samoa's New Prime Minister

Strategic Insights -

Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt, the leader of the FAST party, has been sworn in as Samoa's new prime minister, beginning a five-year term in office. This development comes after a significant election victory for the FAST party, which secured 31 seats in Samoa's 51-seat parliament. The ceremony took place at the Tuanaimato Multipurpose Gymnasium in Apia, with Laaulialemalietoa being appointed by his party members during the first sitting of the 18th parliament. Laaulialemalietoa has extensive political experience, having served as speaker and deputy speaker of parliament, as well as twice as minister of agriculture, fisheries, and scientific research. He called on the people of Samoa to work together to build a stronger and more harmonious nation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has been sworn in as the new prime minister of Samoa, with a five-year term in office.
  • The FAST party secured 31 seats in Samoa's 51-seat parliament, making it the dominant party.
  • Laaulialemalietoa has extensive political experience, having served as speaker, deputy speaker, and minister of agriculture, fisheries, and scientific research.
  • The FAST party has gained an additional seat, joining the 30 members elected to the party.
  • Former Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa's Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) won only 3 seats in the election.
  • Laaulialemalietoa extended thanks to his family and the people of Samoa, calling for unity and cooperation to build a stronger nation.

Statistics:

  • 31 seats secured by the FAST party in Samoa's 51-seat parliament.
  • 14 seats won by the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) in the election.
  • 3 seats won by the Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) of former Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.
  • 30 seats initially secured by the FAST party before gaining an additional seat.
  • Laaulialemalietoa's age is 59 (born in 1966).

Sources:

  • Xinhua via COMTEX