His Majesty King Tupou VI will officially open the Legislative Assembly of Tonga this Thursday, May 7, 2020, at 10:00 am.
The Lord Chamberlain has informed the Speaker of Parliament, that The King will deliver His Royal Address from the Royal Palace, Nuku’alofa via a Livestream feed to the Parliament’s Chamber.
This is due to the current threats of COVID 19 and the existing declaration of a state of emergency and national restrictions.
In adherence and support of the declarations, only the Members of Parliament will be present during the Parliament’s state opening.
There will be no invited guests except the parliamentary staff and members of the media inside the Parliament’s Chamber.
Parliament reconvenes for its 2020 parliamentary session. Its priority agenda is to consider the national budget for the next financial year. This must be passed by the House before July 1st.