French Polynesia's opposition has criticised President Oscar Temaru for attending Vanuatu's 25th independence day celebrations, saying this is in line with his ambition to become the first president of an independent French Polynesia.
The Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party says it questions the attitude of those MPs who claim to be for autonomy while they support Mr Temaru who seeks to get independence from France.
The party says he has no mandate to pursue this policy which it says will lead to a catastrophe.
The Tahoeraa says while Mr Temaru is praising Vanuatu's progress since independence, the country has a cost of living higher than French Polynesia but very low pay for those who have work.
Mr Temaru has said before political independence, French Polynesia needs economic development but on return from Port Vila, he said if God is willing he will be the first president to celebrate French Polynesia's independence.
