Fatafehi Fakafānua, 8th Lord Fakafānua

Fatafehi Kinikinilau Lolomana‘ia Fakafānua, 8th Lord Fakafānua (born 20 March 1985), is a Tongan politician and noble who has served as prime minister of Tonga since 18 December 2025. He is an extended member of the Tongan royal family.

Fakafānua was first elected to the Legislative Assembly as a member of the nobility in 2008. He served as Speaker of the Tongan Legislative Assembly from 2012 to 2014 and from 2017 to 2025.

Biography Fakafānua is the son of Princess Sinaitakala ʻOfeina ʻe he Langi and Kinikinilau Tūtoatasi, who was the 7th Lord Fakafānua and estate holder of Maʻufanga. He has a brother, Fakaola mei Langi ʻItafuaʻatonga Tūtoatasi Fakafānua and a sister, Sinaitakala Tu‘imatamoana ‘i Fanakavakilangi Fakafānua, who is married to Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala.

He was bestowed with the title Fakafānua, one of the thirty-three hereditary titles of the Tongan nobility, in April 2006, following his father's death the previous year.

On 19 July 2012 Fakafānua was elected Speaker of the Tongan Legislative Assembly following Lord Lasike's removal from office, becoming the youngest individual to elected to the role. As Speaker he held a "practice parliament" to encourage women to participate in politics. He lost his seat at the 2014 election. At the 2017 election, he regained his seat and was re-elected Speaker. Following the 2021 election, he was re-elected Speaker for a third term.

Following the 2025 election, Fakafānua was elected prime minister on 15 December, receiving 16 votes. He defeated the incumbent, ʻAisake Eke, who garnered the support of 10 MPs. Fakafānua became the second nobles' representative to be elected head of government since democratisation. King Tupou VI formally appointed Fakafānua as prime minister on 18 December. Taking office at the age of 40, he became one of the youngest individuals to be prime minister.

Fakafānua unveiled the rest of his cabinet lineup on 5 January 2026, shortly after the monarch approved his ministerial selections. Former Prime Ministers Siaosi Sovaleni, Sēmisi Sika and former Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi were included in his cabinet.

Personal life Fakafānua married Lady Krystal Fane Kite, a daughter of Sione Kite, who previously served as Tonga's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and later as Ambassador to the United States, on 15 October 2014.

Honours National honours