French Polynesia's president, Gaston Tong Sang, has dismissed the opposition's warning that it won't support the 2011 budget if it contains any tax increases.
In an interview with Tahitipresse, Mr Tong Sang says if it is against his budget it is its duty to submit a counter proposal but he says this hasn't happened.
Furthermore, he has criticised the opposition side for using a news conference to announce its blanket rejection, adding such views are usually put forward in the finance commission or in the assembly.
Mr Tong Sang says if the opposition wants to eliminate taxes it also has to cut expenditure.
He has still confirmed that he might resign but says it would be in April and once the budget has been passed.
Although the grouping opposed to Mr Tong Sang claims to have the support of 40 of the assembly's 57 members, it has stopped hinting that it will lodge a motion of no confidence but instead has been challenging to resign.
