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Former China hawk Matthew Wale elected Solomon Islands' leader
Wale won 26 of 49 votes as lawmakers ended Manele’s term after defections and rising pressure over governance and living costs.
- On Friday, the Solomon Islands parliament elected opposition leader Matthew Wale as prime minister, defeating Peter Shanel Agovaka 26-22 in a secret ballot of 49 lawmakers.
- Lawmakers ousted former prime minister Jeremiah Manele last week in a no-confidence vote, ending his term halfway through the four-year cycle after a dozen ministers resigned in March.
- Wale, a vocal critic of the 2022 security pact with China, is expected to adopt a "more moderate" approach, balancing ties between Beijing and Australia while prioritizing national interests.
- Speaking outside parliament, Wale declared "change is coming" and warned that necessary reforms might be painful, noting the government assumes office during difficult geopolitical times.
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese congratulated Wale on his appointment, pledging to continue "strengthening our economic, development and security partnership" in the strategically positioned 700,000-person nation.
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Sydney Morning HeraldReposted by 
The Age
The AgeThe Solomons’ surprise new leader is a win for Australia, but the China challenge remains
Australian officials from the prime minister down will be relieved – and even delighted – by Matthew Wale’s victory, but they cannot afford to be relaxed.
·Sydney, Australia
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In the Solomon Islands, opposition leader Wale was elected Prime Minister.
·Germany
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources23
Leaning Left8Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Left
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Left
54% Left
L 54%
C 33%
13%
Factuality
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