12 Facts About Charlot Salwai

Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas was born on 24 April 1963 and is a Vanuatuan politician, former accountant, and political advisor.

Charlot Salwai was the prime minister of Vanuatu from 2016 to 2020 and again from 2023 to 2025.

Charlot Salwai is the leader of the Reunification of Movements for Change, which is part of the Unity for Change bloc.

Charlot Salwai attended Bourail College to obtain his General Education Certificate, Bourail Technical College to obtain his Technical Education Certificate, and Lycee Blaise Pascal in Noumea for his Baccalaureat technologique G2.

Charlot Salwai is a Protestant Christian and is able to speak some English.

Charlot Salwai had previously served as Minister for Trade and Industries, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Minister for Education, Minister of Justice, Minister for Finance and Economic Management, and Minister of Internal Affairs.

Charlot Salwai has served as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Leader of the Opposition Whip, and Deputy Opposition Leader.

In late November 2016 Charlot Salwai survived an attempt at a motion of no-confidence, with MPs being divided on procedural points regarding the motion and attachment of a summons.

Charlot Salwai stood trial from 23 November 2020, charged with 10 counts of bribery and corruption.

On 16 December 2020, Charlot Salwai was convicted of perjury and given a suspended sentence.

Charlot Salwai was pardoned by the President of Vanuatu, Tallis Obed Moses, in September 2021, which restored his eligibility to run for public office.

On 6 October 2023, Charlot Salwai was elected prime minister following the ousting of Sato Kilman in a vote of no confidence.