French Polynesia's assembly has begun its debate of a no confidence motion which could give the territory its fifth government since last year's early general election.
The challenge comes amid deepening economic problems and disagreements over how to finalise the budget.
The opposition Tahoeraa Huiraatira claims it will have 29 backers of the motion needed to oust the government although its leader Gaston Flosse is in jail as part of a corruption probe.
A successful motion will immediately make Gaston Tong Sang the new president, and that less than ten months after he resigned.
A request for the debate to be shown live on local television was turned down by the assembly president, Philip Schyle.
