14 Jan 2009

French Polynesian housing cost debate sparks resignation calls

4:01 pm on 14 January 2009

The president of the French Polynesian assembly, Oscar Temaru, has called on those members staying rent-free in publicly-owned homes in Papeete to be removed from office.

The call came amid an assembly debate about the reported use of territorial funds to pay for accommodation of three outer island members.

Mr Temaru says this is happening while the government expels families from social housing for failing to pay rent.

The President, Gaston Tong Sang, says while he takes responsibility, he is only continuing with the practice of previous governments.

According to the Depeche de Tahiti newspaper, an assembly member earns just under 9,000 US dollars a month.