The French Polynesian government has decided to cancel financial commitments made by the previous administration towards the territory's mayors.
The vice-president, Jacqui Drollet, says this puts about 25 million US dollars of funding into question.
Mr Drollet says the government and the mayors will revisit some projects but leave those that have already been started.
He says mayors will be invited according to island groups to discuss development needs.
Mr Drollet told the Tahitipresse news agency that this will help them to take on responsibility and play an active role in the development process.
