Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Mataafa has fired 13 associate ministers in a house cleaning move following her removal along with five senior cabinet ministers from the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi party,
The members are dismissed from their government roles, but they will still retain their status as members of parliament representing their respective districts.
The sacked associate ministers have been directed to return government vehicles, and their salaries are reduced to that of a member of parliament.
During a press conference earlier this week, the Prime Minister was asked about the role of associate ministers who had explicitly made known their lack of confidence in her leadership.
“I believe they are next in line,” she said then.
Fiame said confidence in her leadership is pivotal in the recent changes within the cabinet, and the subsequent appointments of four other ministers who were formerly associate ministers.
Fracture within the ruling party stemmed from criminal charges against the FAST Chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, who did not accept an ultimatum from Fiame to resign from his ministerial portfolio or be dismissed.
“As Prime Minister, I had hoped that the former Minister would choose to resign,” she said.
“This is a common stance often considered and taken by esteemed public office custodians if allegations or charges are laid against them.”
A press release from the government says the functions and responsibilities of the Executive Arm of Government continue under the leadership of the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Cabinet.
