Thirteen associate ministers will have their portfolios stripped and benefits cut effective Friday afternoon in a house cleaning move from the executive branch. 

While the members will be dismissed from their government roles they will still retain their status as members of parliament representing their respective districts.

On top of being stripped of their portfolios, the associate ministers are asked to return government vehicles and their salaries are reduced to that of a member of parliament. 

The Samoa Observer understands the 13 associate ministers who sided with La’auli Leuatea Schmidt have been served with letters revoking their appointment to the role effective Friday afternoon. 

The cabinet decided on Thursday in a special meeting after they were made aware of the removal of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa as the leader of the ruling party together with five other ministers. 

The associate ministers include Maiava Fuimaono Tito, Tuuu Anasii Leota, Agaseata Tanuvasa Peto, Magele Sekati Fiaui, Fesolai Apulu Tuigamala, Manuleleua Paletasala Tovale, Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe, Seuamuli Toma Fasi, Tea Tooala Peato, Foisala Lilo Ioane, Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa, Ale Vena Ale, Fuiono Tenina Crichton.  

Meanwhile, Fiame and the ministers were served with the resolution by 20 members of the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party caucus held on Wednesday night. 

FAST Party secretary Va’aaoao Salu Alofipo was seen at the government building Thursday morning with other MPs who sided with La’auli to serve letters to Fiame and the ministers of their removal. 

During a press conference this week, the Prime Minister was asked by the Samoa Observer about the role of associate ministers who had explicitly made known their lack of confidence in her leadership. 

In response, she said, “I believe they are next in line”. 

Fiame said confidence in her leadership is pivotal in the recent changes within the cabinet and the subsequent appointments of four other ministers who were formerly associate ministers. 

Fracture within the ruling party stemmed from charges against the FAST Chairman La'auli Leuatea Schmidt who did not accept an ultimatum from Fiame to resign from his ministerial portfolio or be dismissed from the post. 

FAST party members unanimously supported the retaining of La'auli's portfolio within the cabinet, however Fiame who leads the cabinet ruled to terminate him from his ministerial role flagging that the rule of law must be abided by. 

"As Prime Minister, I had hoped that the former Minister would choose to resign," she said. 

"This is a common stance often considered and taken by esteemed public office custodians if allegations or charges are laid against them."