Former Associate Minister of Health Ale Vena Ale has been sworn in as the new Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), during the final Parliament sitting of the year.

Ale took the oath on Tuesday morning at the Tuanaimato Multipurpose Gym during the First Prayer Breakfast of the 18th Parliament, an event that began at 5 am. He was sworn in by the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, in the presence of cabinet ministers, members of parliament, senior public servants and members of the public. 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Tomaimanō Shem, formally welcomed Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt to announce Ale's appointment.

In his address, Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa acknowledged the Head of State and members of Parliament before announcing Ale as the new minister responsible for natural resources and the environment. Ale formally accepted the ministerial role.

The Head of State congratulated Ale on his appointment, and Ale was applauded from the Parliament floor.

Ale’s appointment follows political developments linked to the Safata No. 1 constituency. Former minister Seve Tei was removed from her parliamentary seat after being found guilty of electoral bribery relating to the 2025 general election. The ruling also found the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) candidate Leaana Ronnie Posini guilty, leaving the Safata No. 1 seat vacant.

The seat will remain vacant until a by-election is held, which is expected to take place in the new year.