Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The Solomon Islands opposition is accusing the government of "weak indecisive leadership" after it reshuffled the finance portfolio three times in as many weeks, amid reports a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is looming.
However, Manele told reporters in Honiara on Monday that the Cabinet reshuffle was necessary for "long-term political and operational stability".
Opposition leader Matthew Wale said the reshuffling is a result of the prime minister's weak leadership, claiming that it is "undeniable fact that outside interests decide who is appointed to the Finance portfolio".
"... it is clear that this is what happens when greed, money and outside interests are at play," he said.
"Solomon Islands' national interests are disregarded in these decisions. The Prime Minister is too weak [and] indecisive to be trusted to do the right thing to protect Solomon Islands national interests."
Wale added that Manele's Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has gone "nuts".
However, Manele told reporters that Cabinet reshuffles were a normal part of government and not a weakness.
"Leadership requires making adjustments where necessary to strengthen performance and unity within government," he said.
Addressing concerns about a no-confidence motion against his leadership, the prime minister declared that "I am prepared to face any motion of no confidence".
He said he had the numbers to defeat any motions that might be brought against him.
Manele was elected as Prime Minister in May 2024, succeeding Manasseh Sogavare.
His GNUT administration is made up of three political parties, comanding the support of 28 MPs in the 50-member National Parliament.
Since taking office, two motions of no confidence have been filed against his him - both unsuccessful.
The Solomon Islands parliament is set to resume next week.
