27 May 2019

PNG PM resignation announcement met with caution by opposition

From , 3:03 pm on 27 May 2019

Papua New Guinea prime minister Peter O'Neill has announced that he is to step down after weeks of defections from his government.

Mr O'Neill's been in power for almost eight years, but a flood of grievances over PNG's ailing economy, deteriorating basic services and festering corruption allegations have turned the tide against him.

His announcement that he will hand over his position to his coalition partner and former prime minister Sir Julius Chan has raised the hackles of the opposition, which now appears to have a clear majority in parliament.

Johnny Blades reports.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill (seated, centre) announces his resignation, handing over to Sir Julius Chan (seated, left) 27 May 2019

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill (seated, centre) announces his resignation, handing over to Sir Julius Chan (seated, left) 27 May 2019 Photo: EMTV