Port Moresby – The Papua New Guinea government announced a Cabinet reshuffle on Thursday (18/01/2024) with six new MPs joining the executive.
This comes during a two-week state of emergency, imposed after riots and looting left 22 people dead, and amid talk of a vote of no confidence in the government of James Marape.
“There are calls for Marape to resign, and members of parliament to leave the government,” as quoted from rnz.co.nz, Sunday (2/01/2024).
Senior police and public service officials have been suspended following the unrest. RNZ Pacific’s PNG correspondent, Scott Waide, has provided an update.
“I think the most notable move is that lan Ling Struckey, the Treasurer, is being replaced by the Chief Minister who is assisting the Prime Minister,” Waide said.
Marape said the changes were aimed at introducing “new blood” and recognizing alliances within the coalition.
“The country is not what it was in 1975. In 1975. We were a country of less than 3.5 million people. Today, we are a country of more than 12 million people. The challenges are much bigger.”
Waide said the United Resources Party led by William Duma was one of the big winners.
The catalyst for the unrest was a police protest over pay cuts, but Waide said it was unclear whether Stuckey was to blame for this incident.
He said the move was an attempt by the government to bolster its support ahead of the opening of the no-confidence motion window and it was too early to say whether this would lead to a change in policy.
Meanwhile, Marape said there would be support for businesses affected by the damage and looting.
Marape, as reported by the National newspaper, said during the emergency period, the government rebuilt the city and strengthened the police and defense forces.
He said businesses are tax-paying investors and their investments should be protected by the government. The aid package will include loan schemes, tax exemptions, seed capital and quick access to foreign exchange, he said.(clueworld)
Cecep Muhamad Yusup