Political tensions have intensified following the revelation of the Human Rights Protection Party’s (HRPP) potential candidates for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions—moves which the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party has labelled a direct attempt to destabilise the Legislative Assembly.

In a public statement over the weekend, FAST Party Chairman, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, voiced strong opposition to the HRPP’s actions, accusing the opposition of conspiring behind closed doors to usurp the constitutional powers of Parliament.

“This is not merely political posturing—it is a deliberate attempt to overthrow Parliament,” La’auli declared. “The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are appointed under the Constitution, and their removal cannot be determined by political gamesmanship.”

La’auli reaffirmed that FAST remains the ruling party and continues to hold the majority in Parliament. He condemned the HRPP's strategy as a breach of parliamentary integrity, expressing deep concern that such behind-the-scenes manoeuvring was now being played out in public forums, sowing confusion and deepening national division.

The controversy was triggered by a viral video circulating earlier this week, showing HRPP Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi speaking to supporters abroad. In the footage, Lealailepule announced that the HRPP had chosen MP Loau Keneti Sio (Sagaga No.1) as their candidate for Speaker, and Tologata Lupematasila Tile (Falelatai and Samatau) as his deputy.

The announcement sparked a heated debate online, drawing sharp criticism from FAST supporters and stirring concerns over the legitimacy and implications of such a nomination process.

Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, when questioned during a press conference on Thursday, did not deny the authenticity of the video.

Instead, he sought to justify the move, framing it as a tactical response to what he described as the government's ongoing efforts to remove the current Speaker, Papali’i Li’o Ta’eu Masipau, and his deputy over allegations of misconduct and partiality.

Tuilaepa, known for his sharp rhetoric, stated, “There is a common political notion: you scratch my back, and I scratch yours. We are simply playing our part in this political battle.”

He further alleged that the Speaker had resisted stepping down despite multiple legal rulings against him. “We’ve taken him to court five times and won. Yet, he remains in his position,” said Tuilaepa.

The Opposition Leader also dismissed any speculation regarding a potential political alliance with Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa. With characteristic humour, he quipped, “I can’t marry Fiame because I’m still legally married,” implying that such speculation was unfounded political chatter.

Tuilaepa confirmed that Loau Keneti Sio remains a strong contender but noted the party is still weighing its options. “We’ve also considered Alaiasa Sepulona Moananu as a suitable candidate. But nothing is final—we might have a new candidate by next week.”

Fiame, responding to the escalating political standoff, confirmed that legal action has been initiated against the current Speaker following his rejection of a no-confidence motion lodged by the Cabinet. She did not dismiss the possibility of appointing a new Speaker from the Opposition ranks, acknowledging the government's current numerical disadvantage in Parliament.

As both parties trade political barbs and prepare for what appears to be a deeper constitutional confrontation, the future of Samoa’s parliamentary leadership hangs in a delicate balance—underscoring the increasingly polarized nature of the nation's political landscape.