What began as a police lockdown at headquarters on 3 January escalated into a high-stakes power struggle, leading to La’auli Leuatea Schmidt's dismissal from the Cabinet, internal party divisions, and a reshuffling of key government positions. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa faced mounting pressure as La’auli’s supporters rallied behind him, reshaping the country’s political dynamics ahead of his scheduled court appearance today on Feb. 4.

The timeline below is to show all the events leading up to today 4 February, where La'auli will face a judge. 

3 January 2025

• Police HQ lockdown: Police headquarters in Tauese goes into lockdown as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries La'auli Leuatea Schmidt arrives to face charges. A large police presence secures the area, with gates closed to the public. Supporters of the ruling F.A.S.T. party gather outside, wearing red and black.
• La'auli declares innocence: Before arriving at the police station, La’auli denies all accusations, stating on his Facebook page that he is innocent and has confidence in the legal process. He appeals to his supporters to remain calm and trust that the truth will prevail.
• Charges confirmed: La’auli is charged with ten counts, including fabricating evidence, conspiracy, defamation, harassment via electronic means, and using insulting words. After a two-hour session, he is released on bail and scheduled to appear in court on 4th February.
• Political and public shock: The charges spark widespread debate, raising questions about the potential implications for the F.A.S.T. party and government stability.
• PM Fiame: Fiame Naomi Mata’afa addresses the public, acknowledging the seriousness of the charges against La’auli and emphasising the importance of the rule of law. She assures the public that no one is above the law, regardless of their status.

4 January 2025

• Police seek travel ban: The Ministry of Police requests a Departure Prohibition Order (DPO) to restrict La’auli’s travel, citing concerns over the lack of standard bail conditions, including the surrender of his passport.

6 January 2025

• Lockdown justified: Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo clarifies the police compound lockdown was implemented to ensure public safety and prevent disruptions during La’auli’s appearance. He adds that the measure was also for La’auli’s protection amid heightened tensions.

7 January 2025

• Ultimatum to La’auli: Prime Minister Fiame meets with La’auli, urging him to resign voluntarily by Tuesday. If he fails to do so, she warns she will take action to remove him from his role as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
• FAST party caucus: A marathon six-hour meeting of the FAST caucus ends with unanimous support for La’auli. Party members rally behind him, rejecting Fiame’s ultimatum and creating a significant division within the ruling party.

9 January 2025

• Fiame’s silence fuels unrest: Despite a previous ultimatum, Fiame delays announcing her decision regarding La’auli’s position. This lack of clarity increases public concern and political tension within the party.
• Opposition criticism: Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi criticises the government’s handling of the situation, calling for La’auli’s immediate resignation and urging Fiame to show strong leadership.

10 January 2025

• La’auli removed from cabinet: Fiame terminates La’auli’s role as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, citing the need to preserve government integrity. She stresses that accountability and adherence to the rule of law must take precedence over political loyalty.
• La’auli responds: La’auli publicly accepts his dismissal but reiterates his innocence. He pledges to fight the charges in court and calls for his supporters to remain steadfast in their faith.

13 January 2025

• FAST party leadership under scrutiny: A critical caucus meeting is scheduled to address internal party divisions. Tensions escalate following La’auli’s dismissal, with public opinion split on the government’s actions.
• Snap election speculation: MP Ale Vena Ale dismisses rumours of a snap election, explaining that logistical and legal barriers make it unfeasible. He refutes claims made by Opposition Leader Tuilaepa regarding the possibility of early elections.

14 January 2025

• Fiame meets ministers: Prime Minister Fiame conducts individual meetings with her cabinet ministers to assess their loyalty and confidence in her leadership. The meetings reveal fractures within the executive branch, as some ministers express dissatisfaction with recent decisions.
• FAST members petition Fiame’s removal: A letter signed by 19 MPs, including cabinet and associate ministers, demands Fiame’s resignation as party leader. The letter criticises her handling of La’auli’s dismissal and alleges a lack of transparency and unity in her leadership.
• Three ministers dismissed: Fiame removes Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o (Women and Community Development), Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo (Communications and IT), and Leota Laki Sio (Commerce, Industry, and Labour) for lack of confidence and loyalty.

15 January 2025

• New ministers appointed: Fiame announces the appointment of four new ministers—Mau’u Siaosi Puepuemai (Communications and IT), Lagaaia Tiaituau Tufuga (Women and Community Development), Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua (Commerce, Industry, and Labour), and Niuava Malolo Eti (Agriculture and Fisheries). The appointments aim to restore stability in the cabinet.
• FAST leadership overhauled: La’auli is appointed leader and chairman of the FAST party after Fiame’s removal by 20 MPs in a closed meeting. Other key positions, including deputy leader and chairman, are reassigned within the party.

16 January 2025

• New ministers sworn in: The four new cabinet ministers officially take office in a ceremony presided over by the Head of State, marking a significant reshuffle within the executive branch. The new ministers emphasise the importance of party unity moving forward.

17 January 2025

• Associate ministers dismissed: Thirteen associate ministers loyal to La’auli are stripped of their portfolios and benefits. They retain their roles as MPs but lose access to government resources.
• Tuilaepa comments: The opposition leader positions HRPP as a potential alternative government, expressing confidence in their readiness to lead if called upon. He criticises the FAST party for internal instability and emphasises the need for strong leadership.
• FAST consolidates power: The FAST party reconfirms La’auli’s leadership and outlines plans to strengthen party unity ahead of the next general election. Fiame remains Prime Minister, but her authority within the party is undermined.

20 January 2025 

• La’auli Rejects Snap Election & No Confidence Vote: The party will not support a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa.
• La’auli criticizes Fiame: Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa held a private meeting with Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi amid ongoing internal conflicts within the ruling FAST party. The meeting fueled tensions within the party, with La’auli and his supporters using it as justification for removing Fiame as party leader.

21 January 2025 

• Speaker Rejects No Confidence Motion & Confirms Fiame Stays in Parliament: The Speaker states that internal party conflicts do not fall under parliamentary jurisdiction and that Parliament represents the people, not political parties.

24 January 2025 

• La’auli confirms that the party will decide whether to expel more ministers: La’auli alleges that some ministers initially supported removing Fiame but later withdrew due to political incentives.

4 February 2025 

• La’auli appears in court: FAST Chairman La’auli is set to appear in court today to face ten charges, including fabricating evidence, conspiracy, defamation, harassment via electronic means, and using insulting words. His court appearance follows his release on bail after being formally charged last month.