James Marape claims he has direct support from more than 50 MPs from his own party and coalition partners.

More than 20 people were killed in the violence, and the Chamber of Commerce estimates losses to businesses exceed Kina 1 billion.

However, despite the departure of several backbenchers from government positions, Marape was busy consolidating support for the coalition government and appeasing the public.

RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Scott Wade says the deadly violence could not come at a worse time for Marape, as protection from challenges to PNG's new government's leadership expires next month. He said it was impossible.

"Many feel he has support, but not enough people in government leadership are talking about his removal." "That's the general opinion expressed by a lot of people," Wade said.

``He said numbers 51 to 54. He's basically pleasing the members of the coalition, so he changed the defense minister and sacked Ian Lynn Stuckey as finance minister and told the people

``The United Resources Party, to which William Duma belongs, received several portfolios and was forced to make many political moves to strengthen its numbers, satisfy coalition partners, and appease the public.''

Significant Losses
Chamber The Port Moresby Ministry of Commerce has announced that losses reported by businesses following the riots two weeks ago now amount to K1.27 billion ($331 million).

Chamber of Commerce President Ian Taltier said that number could rise further.

The National reported that business groups classified the effects of rioting and looting as a natural disaster and called on the government to respond in that light.

You have already applied for an immediate capital injection of up to Kina 1 billion.

Marape promised a business support package including loan programs, tax breaks and start-up funds.

Source: Radio New Zealand