Tonga’s King Tupou VI recently underscored the significance of economic freedom as the Kingdom celebrates the 150th anniversary of its foundational constitutional document, the 1875 Constitution. In a speech delivered in the capital, Nuku’alofa, the King reflected on the foresight of Tupou I, who, during a 1863 visit to Sydney, was moved by the plight of landless indigenous peoples, prompting him to ensure the protection of Tongan land rights.
The 1875 Constitution, one of the oldest in the Pacific, has remained unchanged for over a century and is considered by legal experts, such as Dr. Suliana Mone, as the most critical document in modern Tongan history. Dr. Mone highlighted that the Constitution, a product of English missionary Shirley Baker, represents a “book of freedom” and forms the backbone of Tongan governance.
Celebrated for empowering commoners, the Constitution freed the majority of the population from scripted subservience. Community leader Pakilau o Aotearoa Manase Lua echoed this sentiment, noting that the Constitution fosters a sense of pride and identity for Tongans both at home and abroad. He described the rules set by Tupou I as acts of love and care for the Tongan people.
King Tupou VI also connected the document’s legacy to similar legislative frameworks in neighboring regions such as Hawai’i and Tahiti, attributing Tonga’s success in maintaining autonomy to a Parliament that has historically responded to the needs of its people. He emphasized that while the protection afforded by the Constitution has been vital, there is an urgent need for enhanced economic freedom in today’s increasingly globalized landscape.
The King acknowledged the support received from Tonga’s development partners, including New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. However, he called on the new Tongan government to return the grounds of the temporary Parliament building, which suffered damages due to Cyclone Gita in 2018 and later the destructive Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption in 2022, affecting the planned reconstruction efforts.
Looking ahead, Tonga is preparing for its general elections scheduled for November 20, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s governance. A new legislative building is set to be constructed in Talangaholo, pending approval from Parliament, near a historical fort symbolizing Tonga’s tumultuous journey to unity.
King Tupou VI’s commitment to uphold the 1875 Constitution remains strong, as he expressed hope for continued cooperation among Tongan leadership within the framework of respect for its constitutional history. His call for economic freedom hints at a proactive stance, suggesting an opportunity for growth and prosperity while maintaining the cultural integrity that has defined Tonga for over a century.