17 Sep 2014

New govt in French Polynesia named

2:32 pm on 17 September 2014

French Polynesia's new president has presented his government.

Edouard Fritch, who assumed the top job four days ago, has named a ten-strong team that includes two women.

He has increased the number of ministers by one and while redistributing portfolios, he has retained the previous vice president, Nuihau Laurey.

New is Jean-Christophe Bouissou whose responsibilities include the role of government spokesperson.

Mr Fritch has made the former head of the House of Culture, Heremoana Maamaatuiahutapu, the new minister responsible for the environment and languages.

The change of leadership was prompted by the previous president Gaston Flosse losing office because of a court conviction for corruption.