{{Short description|Prime Minister of Tuvalu from 2019 to 2024}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = The Right Honourable | name = Kausea Natano | honorific_suffix = MP | image = Kausea Natano 2023.jpg | order1 = 13th | office1 = Prime Minister of Tuvalu | term_start1 = 19 September 2019 | term_end1 = 26 February 2024 | deputy1 = Minute Alapati Taupo (2019-2022) <br /> Kitiona Tausi (2022-2024) | monarch1 = Elizabeth II<br />Charles III | governor_general1 = {{collapsible list|title=''See list''|Teniku Talesi Honolulu (acting)<br />Samuelu Teo (acting)<br />Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani}} | predecessor1 = Enele Sopoaga | successor1 = Feleti Teo | office2 = Deputy Prime Minister of Tuvalu | term_start2 = 24 December 2010 | term_end2 = 2 August 2013 | prime_minister2 = Willy Telavi | predecessor2 = Enele Sopoaga | successor2 = Vete Sakaio | office3 = Minister of Public Utilities | term_start3 = 24 December 2010 | term_end3 = 2 August 2013 | prime_minister3 = Willy Telavi | predecessor3 = Taukelina Finikaso | successor3 = Vete Sakaio | office4 = Member of Parliament <br /> for Funafuti | term_start4 = 25 July 2002 | term_end4 = 26 January 2024 | predecessor4 = Ionatana Ionatana<br />Teleke Lauti | successor4 = | constituency4 = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1957|07|05|df=y}} | birth_place = Funafuti{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} | death_date = | death_place = | spouse = Selepa Kausea Natano | children = | party = | caption = Natano in 2023 }}
'''Kausea Natano''' (born 5 July 1957)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forumsec.org/kausea-natano/ |title=THE HON KAUSEA NATANO PRIME MINISTER TUVALU |publisher=Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat |access-date=12 January 2021 |archive-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109205332/https://www.forumsec.org/kausea-natano/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> is a Tuvaluan politician who served as the Prime Minister of Tuvalu from 19 September 2019 to 26 February 2024. He represented Funafuti as a Member of Parliament. He was first elected in the 2002 Tuvaluan general election and served as an MP until he was unseated in the 2024 Tuvaluan general election.<ref name="RNZ-24-1-27">{{cite news| url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/507716/tuvalu-general-election-six-newcomers-in-parliament | title=Tuvalu general election: Six newcomers in parliament |work=Radio New Zealand |date= 29 January 2024 |access-date=29 January 2024}}</ref><ref name="PDV-24-1-30">{{cite news |last1=Marinaccio|first1=Jess |title=Tuvalu’s 2024 general election: a new political landscape|url=https://devpolicy.org/2024-tuvalu-general-election-a-changing-political-landscape-20240130/ |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=PolicyDevBlog|date=30 January 2024}}</ref>
In his political career, Natano has also assumed significant roles, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, during his tenure in the Cabinet led by former Prime Minister Willy Telavi.<ref name="PT">{{cite web|work=The Parliament of Tuvalu |title=Current Members (including Ministers and Private Members) |url=http://www.parliament.gov.tv/members/current-members/ |access-date=7 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305104520/http://www.parliament.gov.tv/members/current-members/ |archive-date= 5 March 2013 }}</ref>
== Early life == Before he entered politics, Natano worked as the director of customs in Tuvalu. He also held the position of assistant secretary in the ministry of finance, where he contributed to economic planning.<ref name="Fs0919">{{cite web |date=20 September 2019 |title=Tuvalu has elected a new Prime Minister - Hon. Kausea Natano |url=https://www.pressreader.com/fiji/fiji-sun/20190920/282007559104530 |access-date=5 October 2019 |work=Fiji Sun}}</ref>
==Political career== Kausea Natano entered Tuvalu's Parliament in 2002, marking the start of his political career.<ref name="KN" /> He secured re-election in 2006<ref name=":0">[http://www.pitic.org.nz/Investment/Articles.html Tuvalu's new Government to be sworn in on 17 August] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014064222/http://www.pitic.org.nz/Investment/Articles.html|date=2008-10-14}}, Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission NZ, 8 August 2008. Accessed 2008-09-25.</ref><ref name="2006election">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20081019034309/http://www.tuvaluislands.com/news/archives/2006/2006-08-03.htm Election Results Bring Changes]}}, Tuvalu News, 3 August 2006. Accessed 2008-09-25.</ref><ref name=":1">[http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2006/08/ ELECTION RESULTS FOR THE FUNAFUTI CONSTITUENCY] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301131646/http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2006/08/|date=2013-03-01}}, Tuvalu News, 16 August 2006. Accessed 2008-09-25.</ref> He also took on the role of Minister for Public Utilities and Industries until 2010 as part of Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia's Cabinet.<ref name="KN" /> His continuous commitment to public service was evident as he retained his parliamentary seat in the 2010, 2015, and 2019 general elections.<ref name="RNZ19">{{cite web |last=Tahana |first=Jamie |date=10 September 2019 |title=Tuvalu elections: large turnover for new parliament |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/398454/tuvalu-elections-large-turnover-for-new-parliament |access-date=10 September 2019 |work=Radio New Zealand }}</ref>
In the 2024 Tuvaluan general election Natano did not retain his seat in parliament.<ref name=R24-1-27>{{cite web|first= Kirsty |last= Needham |title= Tuvalu's pro-Taiwan leader loses seat in national election |work=Reuters|date= 27 January 2024|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/tuvalus-pro-taiwan-leader-loses-seat-national-election-2024-01-26/ |access-date=27 January 2024}}</ref>
=== Deputy Prime Minister (2010–2013) === Following the 2010 general election, Natano stood for the premiership, and received seven votes from MPs, thus being narrowly defeated by Maatia Toafa, who received eight.<ref name=an>{{Cite news |title=New Prime Minister for Tuvalu |url=http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201009/3024797.htm?desktop |work=Australia Network |date=2010-09-29 |access-date=2010-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100929231619/http://australianetworknews.com/stories/201009/3024797.htm?desktop |archive-date=2010-09-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In December 2010, Toafa's government was ousted in a motion of no confidence, and Willy Telavi succeeded to the premiership.<ref name="RNZI_57873">{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/194503/willie-telavi-the-new-prime-minister-in-tuvalu |title=Willie Telavi the new prime minister in Tuvalu |date=24 December 2010 |work=Radio New Zealand |access-date=12 January 2020}}</ref> Natano was among those who supported Telavi, enabling his accession. Upon appointing his Cabinet on December 24, Telavi appointed Natano as Minister for Communications.<ref name="KN"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/island-declares-emergency-rule-2185180.html |title=Island declares emergency rule |work=The Independent |date=15 January 2011 |access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref> He was also appointed Deputy Prime Minister.<ref name="KN"/><ref>[http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/pays-zones-geo/tuvalu/presentation-20483/article/composition-du-gouvernement-3119 "Composition du gouvernement des îles Tuvalu"], French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, 23 September 2011</ref>
Following the removal of Prime Minister Willy Telavi by Governor General Sir Iakoba Italeli on 1 August 2013, prompted by a political crisis where Telavi sought to govern without Parliament's support, the subsequent day saw a parliamentary vote. In this vote, Natano and the entire Cabinet were ousted from office, as the opposition had gained a clear majority.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/219515/tuvalu-opposition-votes-out-government |title=Tuvalu opposition votes out government |publisher=RNZ |date=2 August 2013 |access-date=12 January 2021}}</ref>
=== Prime Minister (2019 - 2024) === {{see also|Natano Ministry}} [[File:World Leaders - Book of Condolence for HM The Queen (52363934014).jpg|thumb|Natano signing the book of condolence for Queen Elizabeth II at Lancaster House on 17 September 2022]] Following the 2019 Tuvaluan general election, on 19 September 2019, the members of parliament elected Natano as prime minister with a 10–6 majority.<ref name=ABC0919>{{cite news|author1= Evan Wasuka |author2=Alan Weedon|title= Pacific climate change champion Enele Sopoaga is no longer Tuvalu's PM — so who's next in? |newspaper= ABC News |date=19 September 2019|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-19/tuvalu-ousts-enele-sopoaga-as-pm-and-installs-kausea-natano/11528694|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref><ref name=RNZ0919>{{cite web|title=Kausea Natano new PM of Tuvalu; Sopoaga ousted |website=Radio New Zealand |date=19 September 2019|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/399106/kausea-natano-new-pm-of-tuvalu-sopoaga-ousted |access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref><ref name=R0919>{{cite web|author1= Colin Packham |author2=Jonathan Barrett|title= Tuvalu changes PM, adds to concerns over backing for Taiwan in Pacific |website= Reuters |date=19 September 2019|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-taiwan-diplomacy-tuvalu/tuvalu-changes-pm-adds-to-concerns-over-backing-for-taiwan-in-pacific-idUSKBN1W400A|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref><ref name="IB2019-9">{{cite web|last= Pareti |first= Samisoni |work=Islands Business |title= Natano gets PM nomination |date= 16 September 2019 |url= https://www.islandsbusiness.com/breaking-news/item/2576-natano-gets-pm-nomination.html|access-date=5 January 2021 }}</ref><ref name="PN2019">{{cite web|work=PACNEWS|title= New Tuvalu PM will not attend UN Climate Summit in New York|date= 18 September 2019 |url= http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=20402131495d82df3e7f441dd4fdcb|access-date=5 January 2021 }}</ref>
During his ministry, the economy of Tuvalu experienced challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Tuvalu limited travel to Funafuti International Airport in early 2020.<ref name=G24-2-26>{{cite web|first= |last=Puaseiese Adrienne Pedro|title=Freedom and fear: life in one of the few countries that Covid hasn't touched|work=The Guardian |date=16 April 2022|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/15/freedom-and-fear-life-in-one-of-the-few-countries-that-covid-hasnt-touched|access-date=28 February 2024}}</ref> The government of Tuvalu put in place The COVID-19 (Threatened Emergency) Regulation 2021, then published the Standard Operating Procedure for International Travel to Tuvalu.<ref name="C-19">{{cite web|title= Standard Operating Procedure for International Travel to Tuvalu|publisher= Government of Tuvalu|date= 30 September 2020|url= https://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/SUBORDINATE/2021/2021-1002/StandardOperatingProcedureforInternationalTraveltoTuvalu_1.pdf|accessdate= 1 November 2023|archive-date= 16 May 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240516081747/https://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/SUBORDINATE/2021/2021-1002/StandardOperatingProcedureforInternationalTraveltoTuvalu_1.pdf|url-status= dead}}</ref> Tuvalu remained free of COVID-19 infections and implemented a vaccine program. By April 2022, 85% of 12-17-year-olds had received their first dose of vaccine, and about 90% of its adult population were fully vaccinated.<ref name=G24-2-26/> In 2023, the IMF Article IV consultation with Tuvalu concluded that a successful vaccination strategy allowed Tuvalu to lift coronavirus disease (COVID-19) containment measures at the end of 2022. However, the economic cost of the pandemic was significant, with real gross domestic product growth falling from 13.8% in 2019 to -4.3 percent in 2020, although it recovered to 1.8% in 2021.<ref name="B2023">{{cite web|title= Tuvalu: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Tuvalu|url= https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2023/07/19/Tuvalu-2023-Article-IV-Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement-by-the-536777|publisher= International Monetary Fund Country Report No. 2023/267|page=|date=21 July 2023|access-date=24 September 2023}}</ref> Inflation rose to 11.5% in 2022, but inflation is projected to fall to 2.8% by 2028.<ref name="B2023"/>
The increase in inflation in 2022 was due to the rapid rise in the cost of food resulting from a drought that affected food production and from rising global food prices, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (food imports represent 19 percent of Tuvalu’s GDP, while agriculture makes up for only 10 percent of GDP).<ref name="B2023-0">{{cite web|title= Tuvalu: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Tuvalu|url= https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2023/07/19/Tuvalu-2023-Article-IV-Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement-by-the-536777|publisher= International Monetary Fund Country Report No. 2023/267|page=4|date=21 July 2023|access-date=24 September 2023}}</ref>
On 26 September 2023, the World Bank (WB) approved US$11.5 million (AUD$18 million) in new grant financing to Tuvalu as part of the WB’s First Climate and Disaster Resilience Development Policy Financing program.<ref name="DDO23">{{cite web |title= World Bank Provides US$11.5 Million Grant to Boost Tuvalu's Climate and Disaster Resilience, Preparedness, and Response|publisher= World Bank Press Release No: 2024/001/EAP|date = 27 September 2023|url= https://reliefweb.int/report/tuvalu/world-bank-provides-us115-million-grant-boost-tuvalus-climate-and-disaster-resilience-preparedness-and-respons| accessdate=8 November 2023}}</ref> This WB support includes a development policy grant of US$7.5 million (AU$11.8 million). This grant is directed to assisting Tuvalu's National Disaster Management Office in coordinating post-disaster response activities; as well to the work of Tuvalu’s National Building Code Assessment Unit, of the Public Works Department, to develop more disaster-resilient infrastructure in Tuvalu.<ref name="DDO23"/>
==== Climate change initiatives ====
During his ministry, Tuvalu implemented the National Adaptation Programme of Action as a response to the climate change issues facing Tuvalu, including the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP).<ref name="GCF">{{cite web| last = Bouadze | first = Levan |title= Groundbreaking ceremony in Funafuti for Tuvalu's coastal adaptation|publisher= UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji |page=|date = 6 December 2022|url= https://www.undp.org/pacific/speeches/groundbreaking-ceremony-funafuti-tuvalus-coastal-adaptation | accessdate=1 November 2023}}</ref> The Natano Ministry continued the constitutional reform project that had commenced in 2016 in the Sopoaga Ministry. On 5 September 2023, Tuvalu’s parliament passed the Constitution of Tuvalu Act 2023,<ref name="SKJM">{{cite web| author1= Simon Kofe |author2=Jess Marinaccio |title= Tuvalu Constitution updated: culture, climate change and decolonisation |publisher= DevPolicyBlog - Development Policy Centre |date = 21 September 2023 |url= https://devpolicy.org/tuvalu-constitution-updated-culture-climate-change-and-decolonisation-20230921/| accessdate=27 November 2023}}</ref> with the changes to the Constitution came into effect on 1 October 2023.<ref name="CofT23">{{cite web |title= Constitution of Tuvalu |publisher= Government of Tuvalu |date= 5 September 2023 |url= https://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1986/1986-0001/ConstitutionofTuvalu_2.pdf |accessdate= 27 November 2023 |archive-date= 3 December 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231203110943/https://tuvalu-legislation.tv/cms/images/LEGISLATION/PRINCIPAL/1986/1986-0001/ConstitutionofTuvalu_2.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref>
The 2023 amendments to the Constitution adopt an innovative approach to determining the boundaries of the State of Tuvalu in the event that climate change results in sea level rise that causes loss to the physical territory of Tuvalu.<ref name="EDO23">{{cite web |title= EDO's expert assistance to Tuvalu Constitutional Reform Project: Interview with Dr Bal Kama|publisher= Environmental Defenders Office |date = 21 September 2023 |url= https://www.edo.org.au/2023/09/21/edos-expert-assistance-to-tuvalu-constitutional-reform-project-interview-with-dr-bal-kama/| accessdate=27 November 2023}}</ref>
:Section 2(1) states "The State of Tuvalu within its historical, cultural, and legal framework shall remain in perpetuity in the future, notwithstanding the impacts of climate change or other causes resulting in loss to the physical territory of Tuvalu." : :Section 2(2) declares "The area of Tuvalu consists of all areas bounded by baseline coordinates including maritime zones measured from such baseline coordinates declared in Schedule 6 (Declaration of Tuvalu Geographical Coordinates)."
The government of Tuvalu recognises that there is no international conventions that it can rely on that can recognise Tuvalu's new status as the effects of climate change are not addressed in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.<ref name="KB-LOC23">{{cite web| last = Buchanan | first = Kelly |title= Tuvalu: Constitutional Amendment Enshrines Statehood in Perpetuity in Response to Climate Change|publisher= Law Library of Congress |page=|date = 29 September 2023 |url= https://www.loc.gov/item/global-legal-monitor/2023-09-28/tuvalu-constitutional-amendment-enshrines-statehood-in-perpetuity-in-response-to-climate-change/| accessdate=27 November 2023}}</ref>
Tuvalu, and other Pacific Ocean countries, support such a position on the impact on territorial boundaries caused by climate change. The leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum countries published a declaration on 6 August 2021 that recalled the Pacific Islands Forum Members as having a long history of support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the "Convention"), and which declaration ended with a proclamation: "that our maritime zones, as established and notified to the Secretary-General of the United Nations in accordance with the Convention, and the rights and entitlements that flow from them, shall continue to apply, without reduction, notwithstanding any physical changes connected to climate change-related sea-level rise."<ref name="PIF21">{{cite web|title= Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones in the Face of Climate Change-related Sea-Level Rise|publisher= Pacific Islands Forum |date = 6 August 2021|url= https://www.forumsec.org/2021/08/11/declaration-on-preserving-maritime-zones-in-the-face-of-climate-change-related-sea-level-rise/| accessdate=28 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="SK21">{{cite web| last = Kofe | first = Simon |title= Tuvalu's Future Now Project: preparing for climate change in the worst-case scenario|publisher= DevPolicyBlog - Development Policy Centre |date = 10 November 2021 |url= https://devpolicy.org/tuvalu-preparing-for-climate-change-in-the-worst-case-scenario-20211110/ | accessdate=27 November 2023}}</ref>
==== Foreign policy ==== Following the 2019 election, Natano became Prime Minister, replacing the incumbent Enele Sopoaga, who was characterized as "pro-Taiwan."<ref>{{cite news|title=Tuvalu parliament picks new PM in potential blow for Taiwan|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/9/19/tuvalu-parliament-picks-new-pm-in-potential-blow-for-taiwan|work=Al Jazeera|date=19 September 2019|access-date=28 January 2024}}</ref> In the January 2024 election, Natano, who maintained the ''status quo'', was now characterized as the "pro-Taiwan" candidate for leadership, with contender Seve Paeniu pledging during his election campaign to review Tuvalu's ties with Taiwan.<ref name="Al Jazeera 2024"/>
On 10 November 2023, Natano signed the Falepili Union, a bilateral diplomatic relationship with Australia, under which Australia will increase its contribution to the Tuvalu Trust Fund and to TCAP.<ref name=FalepiliTreaty1>{{cite web|url= https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/tuvalu/australia-tuvalu-falepili-union-treaty|title=Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union treaty|publisher=Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade|access-date= 12 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="AUTFU1">{{cite web |title= Joint Statement on the Falepili Union between Tuvalu and Australia |publisher= Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet|page=|date = 10 November 2023|url= https://www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-statement-falepili-union-between-tuvalu-and-australia | accessdate=13 November 2023}}</ref><ref name=AustraliaTuvaluResidency>{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/nov/10/australia-to-offer-residency-to-tuvalu-residents-displaced-by-climate-change|title=Australia to offer residency to Tuvalu citizens displaced by climate change|publisher=The Guardian Australia| author = Daniel Hurst and Josh Butler |newspaper=The Guardian |date=10 November 2023 | access-date= 12 November 2023}}</ref> Australia will also provide an pathway for citizens of Tuvalu to migrate to Australia, to enable climate-related mobility for Tuvaluans.<ref name="AUTFU1"/><ref name="Al Jazeera 2024">{{cite news|title=Tuvalu's pro-Taiwan leader loses seat in closely watched election|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/27/tuvalus-pro-taiwan-leader-loses-seat-in-closely-watched-election|work=Al Jazeera|date=27 January 2024|access-date=28 January 2024}}</ref>
== Personal life == He is married to Selepa Kausea Natano.<ref name="TPTV2021-1">{{cite web|url= https://tuvaluparadise.tv/2021/01/29/lct-moeiteava-christened-and-commissioned/|title= LCT 'Moeiteava' Christened And Commissioned|publisher= Tuvalu Paradise - Issue No. 06/2021|date= 29 January 2021|access-date= 8 March 2021|archive-date= 7 August 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210807120850/https://tuvaluparadise.tv/2021/01/29/lct-moeiteava-christened-and-commissioned/|url-status= dead}}</ref><ref name="KN">{{cite web |work=Pacific Island Forum |title=The Hon Kausea Natano, Prime Minister, Tuvalu |url=https://www.forumsec.org/kausea-natano/ |access-date=5 October 2021 |archive-date=9 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109205332/https://www.forumsec.org/kausea-natano/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=Enele Sopoaga}} {{s-ttl|title=Prime Minister of Tuvalu|years=2019–2024}} {{s-aft|after=Feleti Teo}} {{s-end}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==See also== {{commons category}} * Politics of Tuvalu * 2010 Tuvaluan general election * Natano Ministry
{{Prime Minister of Tuvalu}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Natano, Kausea}} Category:Living people Category:Deputy prime ministers of Tuvalu Category:Prime ministers of Tuvalu Category:Members of the Parliament of Tuvalu Category:People from Funafuti Category:University of the South Pacific alumni Category:1957 births