Samoa swears in new prime minister after months of turmoil | International

SYDNEY, Sept 16, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The Pacific island nation of Samoa swore in a new prime minister on Tuesday, local media reported, the new leader vowing to build a "united" country after months of political turmoil. In an almost five hour ceremony, La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, dressed in a ceremonial red jacket, thanked his people for their votes in last month's election. "Let us work together hand in hand to build a stronger Samoa in united peace and harmony," he was quoted as saying by New Zealand's national broadcaster RNZ. Among the key challenges Schmidt faces are rising prices -- a key issue in the country of about 220,000 people. He replaces Fiame Naomi Mata'afa -- known as the...