Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa called in cabinet Ministers for a one-on-one meeting in her office this morning regarding the leadership of the executive branch. 

First to meet with the Prime Minister this morning was the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Toesulusulu Cedric Schuster followed by the Minister of Justice Courts and Administration, Matamua Vasati Pulufana and Minister of Education, Seuula Ioane. Other Ministers are scheduled to follow until she has consulted all her Ministers. 

The latest meeting follows a petition by Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party representatives signed by 19 members including cabinet ministers calling for the removal of Fiame as party leader and Prime Minister. 

It is believed that three of the cabinet ministers who signed the petition have been given two options: resign gracefully or face the same fate as the former Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. 

This morning's session follows Fiame’s decision to terminate the chairman of FAST Laauli Leuatea Schmidt from his ministerial portfolio on Friday as a consequence of criminal charges filed against him. 

The letter from FAST members raised discontent in Fiame's leadership and criticised her for not intervening in the police investigation against Laauli leading to charges he must now answer to. 

But in an interesting turn of events, some of the members who signed the petition had moved to withdraw their signatures alleging they were not fully informed of the content of the letter addressed to Fiame on 30 December 2024. 

The portfolios of a majority of Associate Ministers who signed off on the petition to oust their leader are on the line as well.

FAST party members held meetings on the weekend to debate its leadership struggle. It is believed a tug of war over members' loyalty is taking place as some support Laauli and others Fiame.