SUVA – Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has been sworn in as new prime minister of Samoa, beginning his five-year term in office. The first sitting of Samoa’s newly elected 18th parliament and swearing-in ceremony took place at the Tuanaimato Multipurpose Gymnasium in Apia on Tuesday. During the sitting, the 31 majority FAST party members of parliament confirmed their official nomination and appointment of their party leader Laaulialemalietoa as Samoa’s new Prime Minister.
Extending thanks to his family and all of Samoa, Laaulialemalietoa called on the people to “work together hand in hand to build a stronger Samoa in united peace and harmony.” Born in 1966, Laaulialemalietoa has extensive political experience. He has served as speaker and deputy speaker of parliament.
Former Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s Samoa Uniting Party (SUP) won only 3.
In Samoa’s 51-seat Parliament, the FAST Party now has 31 seats, having been joined by one extra MP, who contested the election as an independent.
Argentina’s Milei says ‘worst is over’; to boost pension, health, education spending
Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sept 16 (AFP/APP):Argentine President Javier Milei on Monday announced plans to boost spending on pensions, health, education and the disabled in 2026, marking a shift after nearly two years of biting austerity.
“The worst is over,” Milei said in a televised speech, unveiling the draft 2026 budget eight days after his party was trounced in provincial elections in Buenos Aires.
“The effort all Argentines are making is worth it,” Milei assured, while adding: “We understand that many have not yet felt (the results) in their material reality.”
Appealing for more time for his libertarian reforms to take effect, he said: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
