𝗢’𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗹 told to r𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 d𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 p𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 – t𝗵𝗲 m𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 m𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 r𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 g𝗼𝘃t.

PRIME Minister James Marape in a recent statement has firmly rejected calls by former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to resign, describing them as premature, politically motivated, and disrespectful to both the Constitution and the judiciary.

“In 2019, Mr O’Neill lost the confidence of his entire government caucus,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“By the time the Laguna camp was formed, we had over 80 Members of Parliament on our side. His resignation came as a result of political defeat, not moral high ground.

“Today, in 2025, I continue to enjoy the confidence of the majority of Members of Parliament. The Government remains intact. The people’s mandate, expressed in the 2022 National General Elections, is still with Pangu Pati and its coalition partners.”

Prime Minister Marape noted that the current political manoeuvring is being carried out under Section 145 of the Constitution, with an alternate Prime Minister named and a motion filed in accordance with law.

“What is troubling is that while this process — sanctioned by a court order — is underway, Mr O’Neill has taken it upon himself to demand a resignation. That is not only politically contradictory — it is too disrespectful to the court-ordered process now before Parliament. If he truly believes in the rule of law, he should allow the process to run its full course.”

He accused Mr O’Neill of trying to sabotage a lawful and democratic mechanism by politicising it in public.

“You cannot be the puppeteer behind the Vote of No Confidence and at the same time demand resignation to avoid the outcome. That’s not leadership — that’s opportunism. It shows he is afraid of the very process he initiated.

“Whether it was the 2020 Vanimo camp, the 2021 legal challenges, or various alternate prime ministership campaigns — he has been the common thread. His political comeback efforts have failed, and yet he continues to pull the strings. The people deserve better.”

Highlighting the people’s voice, Prime Minister Marape reminded the country of the results of the 2022 elections.

“Pangu Pati returned with 39 seats — the largest ever under the Organic Law on Political Parties and Candidates. PNC, by contrast, suffered heavy losses. That’s the clearest referendum on who the people trust to govern.”

He urged Mr O’Neill to consider stepping back. “After years of failed attempts to reclaim power, it’s time for him to call it a day. Let younger leaders emerge. Let Parliament function without the chaos he continues to orchestrate from the sidelines.”

Prime Minister Marape pointed to a clear economic recovery taking place under his leadership — a recovery confirmed by leading global financial institutions.

“Contrary to the misinformation, the economy in 2018 — the final full year under Mr O’Neill’s government — recorded -0.3% growth, but that figure masked deeper fiscal weaknesses and a stagnating non-resource sector,” he said.

“Today, under our leadership, Papua New Guinea is growing stronger across multiple sectors. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected our GDP growth at 4.2% in 2025. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts 4.7% and the World Bank continues to highlight positive momentum in agriculture and non-resource sectors.”

“These aren’t our figures. These are from independent, globally respected institutions. The growth they confirm is led by real gains in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, which benefit ordinary Papua New Guineans.”

He added: “This is happening not by accident but because of deliberate efforts to stabilise and broaden our economy after years of narrow focus on resource revenues.”

“Our Government has worked hard to unlock and maximise benefits from major resource projects. Porgera is back in production, and the Wafi-Golpu project is progressing toward finalisation. Just recently, I formally wrote to the CEOs of Harmony Gold and Newmont to reconvene with the State Negotiation Team to conclude the terms.”

Prime Minister Marape also confirmed progress on Papua LNG and P’nyang LNG, which are expected to significantly contribute to national income in the years ahead.

“These are not the one-sided deals of the past. Under our negotiations, PNG stands to gain over 55% of total value from these projects — the highest share ever secured by a PNG Government.”

Marape noted that infrastructure development and economic inclusivity are central to his reform agenda.

“The Connect PNG programme is linking resource corridors with rural populations. Roads, bridges, and services are reaching the people — and this is how we transfer wealth into the lives of our citizens.”

He also referenced today’s re-launch of the National Development Bank, which symbolises the restoration of economic institutions dismantled in the past.

“Mr O’Neill chaired PNGBC when it collapsed in 1997. Throughout his time in public life, he has contributed little to building sustainable institutions. From 2011 to 2018, debt soared, trust eroded, and core services suffered. That is the reality we inherited — and are now fixing.”

Prime Minister Marape concluded with a direct and uncompromising message: “Mr O’Neill, it is time for you to resign from politics altogether. You are the single biggest obstacle to a credible and effective Opposition in this country. Your continued interference is why the Opposition cannot succeed — and it is why the country ended up in a mess that we are still trying to fix.”

“Your legacy includes the collapse of PNGBC, years of unchecked debt, corruption allegations, and economic stagnation. That legacy does not entitle you to lead again — it demands that you step aside.”

“Step down and give space for a fresh, credible alternate voice to emerge — one that can hold the Government to account responsibly and rebuild public trust in the democratic process.”

“Papua New Guinea deserves better. Let the court-sanctioned parliamentary process take its course. Let leaders with integrity rise. And let us focus on building a stronger, more united, and prosperous nation — free from the failures of the past.”