PNG Prime Minister Marape confident his coalition will stay intact

10:04 am on 23 January 2024

People run with merchandise as crowds leave shops with looted goods amid a state of unrest in Port Moresby on January 10, 2024. A festering pay dispute involving Papua New Guinea's security forces on January 10 sparked angry protests in the capital, where a crowd torched a police car outside the prime minister's office. By Wednesday afternoon pockets of unrest had spread through the capital Port Moresby, with video clips on social media showing crowds looting shops and stretched police scrambling to restore order. (Photo by Andrew KUTAN / AFP)

People run with merchandise as crowds leave shops with looted goods amid a state of unrest in Port Moresby on January 10, 2024. Photo: AFP / Andrew Kutan

Papua New Guinea's prime minister says he is confident he can retain power in the wake of the recent riots.

"The prime minister is confident that he will retain his seat...but we want to see tangible changes, we want to see actual improvements happening in the economy" - PNG correspondent Scott Waide 5:40

from Pacific Waves

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James Marape claims he has the direct support of more than 50 MPs from his own party as well as coalition partners.

The riot claimed the lives of over 20 people and the chamber of commerce is estimating the cost to businesses is over the one billion kina mark.

But despite the departure of several back benchers from the government's ranks Marape has been seen busy working to strengthen his coalition support and placate the public.

RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Scott Waide said the deadly riots could not have come at a worse time for Marape, with the protection of new governments in PNG against leadership challenges coming to an end next month.

"A lot of people feel that he's being supported, with the government ranks there's not enough people talking about his removal. That's the general sentiment that many people have expressed," Waide said.

"He's articulated a figure between 51 and 54. He's basically satisfying coalition members so the defence minister has been changed, he's tried to appease the public by removing Ian Ling Stuckey as treasury minister and taken over.

"The United Resource Party that belongs to William Duma has been given a few portfolios, so a lot of political movement to shore up the numbers to satisfying the coalition partners and appease the public."

PNG Prime Minister James Marape and government members

Photo: PNG Loop

Significant losses

The Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce said losses reported by business after the unrest two weeks ago now stands at 1.27 billion kina (US$331m).

Chamber President Ian Tarutia said this figure could increase.

The National newspaper reports the business group has characterised the impact of the rioting and looting to a natural disaster and they want the government to respond with that in mind.

They have already sought an immediate capital injection of up to one billion kina.

Marape has promised a relief package for businesses, which would include a loan scheme, tax holiday and start-up capital.