La’auli Leuatea Schmidt was appointed the leader of the ruling party Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) in a swift move to replace Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa who was removed from the party.

Laauli is also the party chairman.

Fiame was removed by the 20 FAST members who met on Wednesday night. 

The new executive appointment is confirmed in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, Papalii Lio Taeu Masipau dated 16 January 2025. 

Former Minister of M.C.I.L, Leota Laki Sio has been prompted by the party to take on the deputy leader position and former Minister of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT), Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo took over a new role as the deputy chairman. 

Former Minister of Women Community and Social Development (MWCSD), Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o is the new treasurer for the ruling party and deputy treasurer is Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota. 

According to the letter signed by FAST chairman and leader La’auli, the divided party has put forward four new whips. 

They are Fepuleai Faimata Su’a, Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe, Magele Sekati Fiaui and Agaseata Valelio Peto. 

Va’aaoao Salu Alofipo, Papalii Steven Leota and Papalii Tony Leota have been appointed as the three secretaries.

Fiame and five other cabinet ministers and FAST members were also booted due to their “individual and collective roles in furthering the division and disunity within the party instead of trying to resolve matters”. 

They are Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai, Minister of Police, Faualo Harry Schuster, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster and Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinuu Wayne Sooialo. 

In a statement released by the FAST party, these decisions were not taken lightly and would not have been made had there been other avenues to protect the party. 

“However, given the escalation of the matter, the party feels this is the best solution not only for the party but to also ensure the stability of the country, especially as we head into the next general election next year. 

“From today's meeting, the party also reconfirms ownership of the FAST Political Party as holding the majority with 20 MPs unanimously supporting today’s resolutions.”     

Furthermore, it stated the party is meeting later this week to elect its new leadership to ensure stability, unity, loyalty and love for the country as this parliamentary term ends and prepare for the upcoming general elections.