Samoa’s new Prime Minister flies to NZ for medical treatment within days of taking office

Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt was sworn in as Samoa’s eighth Prime Minister last Tuesday. Photo / Samoa Parliament

By RNZ Pacific of RNZ

Samoa’s newly elected Prime Minister is in New Zealand for medical treatment.

In a statement, the Samoan Government said Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt departed Samoa on Sunday.

“Medical appointments were secured for the Prime Minister at the end of last week, and the decision was made by Cabinet for him to be flown to Auckland for treatment,” it said.

Laaulialemalietoa led his Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party to victory at the August 29 general election, securing 30 seats.

According to government policy, the Prime Minister is entitled to fully funded overseas medical treatment.

“However, due to government’s current financial position with 25% of the budget from last year financing operations now, and the urgency to undertake treatment, the Prime Minister’s family is funding all his expenses including airfares, treatment and accommodation in New Zealand.”

The government statement added that Laaulialemalietoa is accompanied by his wife and will be away for a week.

“Laaulialemalietoa downplayed his health condition when he was asked last Tuesday if he was undergoing medical treatment,” according to a report by the Samoa Observer.

The newspaper also reported the Government has not indicated whether the Prime Minister will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.

However, in a statement on Monday, the Samoa Government confirmed that the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Onesemo would be leading Samoa’s UNGA delegation.