1 Nov 2014

Tahiti's Fritch calls for stop to rumours

6:30 pm on 1 November 2014

The French Polynesian president says he is rejecting rumours that his government is to face a no-confidence motion from within the ruling Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party.

Edouard Fritch

Edouard Fritch Photo: RNZ / Walter Zweifel

Edouard Fritch issued the statement in response to a midday news item on public radio.

He says he is confident that he has the support of the majority in the assembly where the Tahoeraa has 38 of the 57 seats.

Mr Fritch also says it is just a rumour to suggest he will be candidate at the next party congress to challenge the leadership of its founder, Gaston Flosse.

He has urged journalists not to create a climate of uncertainty by reporting baseless scoops.

Two weeks ago, an opposition assembly member, Antonio Perez, quit the budget commission amid an apparent and unprecedented rift within the Tahoeraa.

He said the situation was pathetic because government nominations for board positions were being roundly dismissed, blaming the matter on manipulation by Flosse.

In August, Flosse was forced out of the presidency because of a corruption conviction and was replaced by Mr Fritch.