SYDNEY, Sept 16, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The Pacific island nation of Samoa swore in a new prime minister on Tuesday, local media reported, the new leader vowing to build a "united" country after months of political turmoil.

In an almost five hour ceremony, La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, dressed in a ceremonial red jacket, thanked his people for their votes in last month's election.

"Let us work together hand in hand to build a stronger Samoa in united peace and harmony," he was quoted as saying by New Zealand's national broadcaster RNZ.

Among the key challenges Schmidt faces are rising prices -- a key issue in the country of about 220,000 people.

He replaces Fiame Naomi Mata'afa -- known as the "Iron Lady of the Pacific" -- and previously served as her agricultural minister.

Fiame was elected as the country's first woman leader in 2021 and was forced to dissolve parliament in May after it overwhelmingly rejected her proposed government budget.

Despite failing to win the majority, she remains in parliament as an independent member.

Fiame has accepted Schmidt's victory and said the new leader will "steer our country into the future".

"Let us all move forward to meet this new chapter in our country's political journey with faith, steadfast and thankful hearts," she said in a statement.