An injunction has been sought in New Caledonia to stop the president from sacking the assistants of three government ministers.
The move is the latest in a legal battle within the administration led by Philippe Germain, who is pitted against three other ministers of the anti-independence camp.
In the latest move, the ministers concerned say the sackings make their jobs so difficult that it goes against the public interest.
Mr Germain last week ordered that the sacked staff surrender their badges.
