Salwai says he has no intention to become PM

By Hilaire Bule Mar 15, 2023 Updated Mar 15, 2023

Former Prime Minister (PM) and President of the Reunification Movement for Change (RMC), Charlot Salwai, said he has no intention to become the Prime Minister (PM).

Salwai made these remarks to over 50 community leaders from Port Vila, Efate, and Ambae during a custom ceremony to clarify rumors that he did not get a ministerial portfolio so that he could dethrone the current PM.

Salwai who is also the Leader of Government Business stressed that now that Vanuatu is suffering from the impacts of the two severe cyclones and past disasters like cyclone Pam and Harold, there such man-made disasters could worsen the situation.

“I never got this intention and it has been never my intention to take over from Mr. Kalsakau and become the new PM. We old politicians have to relay the country’s leadership to our new leaders and support them,” he said.

The former PM said a custom ceremony that took place on Pentecost between him and Mr. Kalsakau showed the willingness of RMC, the Union of Moderate Parties of Mr. Kalsakau, and their respective leaders to unite for the betterment of the people of Vanuatu.

Last Friday, there were still rumors spreading of a motion of no confidence during the first Parliament sitting although the Office of the Speaker has confirmed no motion has been registered.

Salwai said the country and the people needs a stable government and cannot entertain human disaster.

“I survived eight motions of no confidence and RMC is in the government to make sure that the current lead coalition government of Mr. Kalsakau ends its 4 years term,” he said.

Last Saturday, the members of RMC who supported the candidate of Pikinini Blong Graon Movement during the last snap election in Port Vila performed a ceremony to return to their party. The losing candidate of the Nagriame Movement on Ambae, Jimmy Garae, and his executive also performed a custom ceremony for the RMC national executive to work together with RMC. Mr. Garae managed to secure over 500 votes during the last snap election.

Mr. Salwai welcome the two groups and said that their decision is in line with the ceremony that was performed on Pentecost.