29 Feb 2008

President Flosse announces French Polynesian coalition government line-up

4:10 pm on 29 February 2008

The French Polynesian president, Gaston Flosse, has announced his government line-up amid opposition claims that his election as president was illegal.

Mr Flosse of the Tahoeraa Huiraatira has named his son-in-law, Edouard Fritch, as vice-president.

The finance ministry goes to Teva Rohfritsch.

The line-up includes a number of former ministers of the Union For Democracy led by Oscar Temaru.

Among them are Antony Geros as the lands minister, Jean-Marius Raapoto is again the education minister while Tina Cross is in charge of solidarity and family.

Marc Collins continues as tourism minister.

Lana Tetuanui, who has appealed her recent corruption conviction, is the minister in charge of outer island affairs.

Mr Flosse says the new coalition will be present in the assembly tomorrow when a new assembly president is to be elected.

As part of the coalition deal, they are expected to support the candidacy of the leader of the Union For Democracy, Oscar Temaru.

The To Tatou Aia opposition is yet to name its candidate.

It nominated and supported Mr Fritch last week when he defeated Mr Geros.

After the Tahoeraa switched support to the Union For Democracy, Mr Fritch stepped down.