Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justin Tkatchenko, this afternoon announced stepping aside as Foreign Affairs Minister following protests over statements he made in the media.
Both Tkatchenko and his daughter were the subjects of wide public debate on social media after his daughter posted a TikTok.
The video showed his daughter, Savannah Tkatchenko, parading extravagant meals and a shopping spree during the public funded trip for the Coronation of King Charles.
Papua New Guineans criticized Tkatchenko’s daughter for what they perceived as a waste and inappropriate use of the taxpayer monies.
Tkatchenko responded to critics in a radio interview with ABC calling the social media commentors “primitive animals”
Tkatchenko says his comments were directed at internet trolls and cyber bullies who hailed hateful comments toward his daughter adding that his daughter is now traumatized by the comments on social media.
However, his response only seemed to fan the controversy, with many Papua New Guineans taking to social media and the streets to express their anger and frustration with the Foreign Minister’s apparent lack of respect.
Many have called for Tkatchenko to apologize, while some have suggested that he resign from his position as Foreign Minister.
In light of this, Prime Minister James Marape has issued a public statement asking the people of Papua New Guinea to forgive the Foreign Minister for his recent comments.
Marape says Minister Tkatchenko has apologised to the people of Papua New Guinea for the remarks he made on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio interview.
He further added that he too was offended by Tkatchenko’s remarks, labelling social media critics of his daughter as “primitive animals”, but had accepted the minister’s apology and asked all Papua New Guineans to do the same.
Marape’s statement has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some praising his call for forgiveness and reconciliation, while others argue that Tkatchenko should still be held accountable for his actions.
The PNG Trade Union Congress has condemned Tkatchenko’s labelling of Papua New Guineans and demanded that he resign.
President of the Police Association, Lowa Tambua said the Prime Minister should not make an individual decision to forgive Tkatchenko on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea but let the people decide.
The TUC also demanded that Tkatchenko be deported from the country, arguing that his actions have brought disrepute to Papua New Guinea on the international stage.
The Union leaders concerns were centered around Tkatchenko’s lack of representation and poor choice of words as a leader of this country and leader of the people.
Tkatchenko conveyed a second public apology in a press conference this afternoon with an official announcement that he will step down.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape in a statement has made known that he will take charge of the Foreign Affairs Ministry.