14 Apr 2009

New government to be formed in French Polyensia after Tahoeraa pull-out

7:19 am on 14 April 2009

The French Polynesian president Oscar Temaru is this week expected to present a new government after last week's collapse of his side's two-year-old union with the Tahoeraa Huiraatira of Gaston Flosse.

Although Mr Flosse has taken his party into opposition, its ministers have yet to formally quit their posts.

Walter Zweifel reports.

"Oscar Temaru has now sided with Gaston Tong Sang whose politics have centred on opposing pro-independence politicians. Only two months ago, Mr Temaru and Mr Flosse forced Mr Tong Sang from power for allegedly being ineffective in government. Now French Polynesia is to be governed by the only combination of the key players that has yet to be tried as it will form the fourth government since last year's early general election called by France in a so far futile attempt to bring about greater stability."

While Mr Flosse says he will be in opposition until 2013, his ministers are yet to follow him.