Taneti Maamau
Early Life and Career
Taneti Maamau was born on the island of Onotoa in Kiribati. He began his career in public service as a Planning Officer in the Ministry of Finance before becoming Permanent Secretary in both the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.
Entry into Politics
In 2002, Maamau left the civil service to pursue politics. He successfully contested one of the two seats for his home constituency, Onotoa, in the 2007 parliamentary elections. He was re-elected in 2011 and 2015.
Presidency
As an opposition candidate, Maamau contested the 2016 presidential election, backed by a coalition of the Tobwaan Kiribati Party. He received the support of former president Teburoro Tito, predecessor to Anote Tong who had served as president for the maximum of 12 years allowed by the Constitution. He won the election, defeating the ruling party by nearly 60%, and was sworn into office on March 11, 2016.
Foreign Policy and Climate Change
In 2018, Maamau became the Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific. In 2019, he made a significant foreign policy shift by terminating Kiribati's diplomatic relations with Taiwan and establishing them with China. The decision followed Taiwan's refusal of Maamau's request for "substantial financial assistance to purchase commercial aircraft."
Maamau's ruling party lost its majority in the 2020 parliamentary elections, falling from 34 seats to 22. Maamau ran for re-election in the 2020 presidential election against former Boutokaan Kiribati Moa Party member Banuera Berina. Maamau won with 59% of the vote and was sworn in for a second term on June 24, 2020.
In 2020, Maamau announced plans to seek support from China and other diplomatic allies in addressing the imminent threat posed by sea level rise and climate change.
