Fatafehi Kinikinilau LolomanaâÂÂia FakafÃÂnua, 8th Lord FakafÃÂnua (born 20 March 1985), is a Tongan noble and politician serving as prime minister of Tonga since 18 December 2025.
FakafÃÂnua was first elected to the Legislative Assembly as a member of the nobility in 2008. He served as Speaker of the Tongan Legislative Assembly from 2012 to 2014 and from 2017 to 2025.
He is an extended member of the Tongan royal family.
FakafÃÂnua is the son of Princess Sinaitakala ûOfeina ûe he Langi and Kinikinilau Tà «toatasi, who was the 7th Lord FakafÃÂnua and estate holder of Maûufanga. He has a brother, Fakaola mei Langi ûItafuaûatonga Tà «toatasi FakafÃÂnua and a sister, Sinaitakala TuâÂÂimatamoana âÂÂi Fanakavakilangi FakafÃÂnua, who is married to Crown Prince Tupoutoûa ûUlukalala.
He was bestowed with the title FakafÃÂnua, one of the thirty-three hereditary titles of the Tongan nobility, in April 2006, following his father's death the previous year. The title is attached to the estates of Maûufanga (on Tongatapu), Ngaûakau (on Vavaûu) and Faleloa (on Haûapai), and enables its holder to be elected to the Legislative Assembly as a representative of the nobility. In a 2008 by-election, he was elected as a representative for Haûapai, making him the youngest member of the Tongan Parliament. He was re-elected in the November 2010 general election.
On 19 July 2012 FakafÃÂnua was elected Speaker of the Tongan Legislative Assembly following Lord Lasike's removal from office, becoming the youngest individual to elected to the role. As Speaker he held a "practice parliament" to encourage women to participate in politics. He lost his seat at the 2014 election. At the 2017 election, he regained his seat and was re-elected Speaker. Following the 2021 election, he was re-elected Speaker for a third term.
Following the 2025 election, FakafÃÂnua was elected prime minister on 15 December, receiving 16 votes. He defeated the incumbent, ûAisake Eke, who garnered the support of 10 MPs. FakafÃÂnua became the second nobles' representative to be elected head of government since democratisation. King Tupou VI formally appointed FakafÃÂnua as prime minister on 18 December. Taking office at the age of 40, he became one of the youngest individuals to be prime minister. FakafÃÂnua announced that he would retain Crown Prince Tupoutoûa ûUlukalala as foreign minister. Following the election, He declared his intention to nominate his cabinet ministers based on the consensus of all members of parliament. During the government formation, FakafÃÂnua released a statement, indicating that he would consult his predecessor on cabinet appointments. Eke, however, denied this claim, and said he was only informed once the selections were made.
FakafÃÂnua unveiled the rest of his cabinet lineup on 5 January 2026, shortly after the monarch approved his ministerial selections. Former Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, SÃÂmisi Sika and former Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi were included in his cabinet. Viliami Latu was appointed deputy prime minister, while the sole female MP, Fane Fotu Fituafe, was assigned the newly established internal affairs portfolio.
FakafÃÂnua married Lady Krystal Fane Kite, a daughter of Sione Kite, who previously served as Tonga's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and later as Ambassador to the United States, on 15 October 2014.