The French Polynesian assembly has approved a change to the public sector remuneration grid to allow for a monthly salary of just over 21,000 US dollars for a new high-profile advisor.
Brigitte Girardin is a former French overseas territories minister who is being hired as French Polynesia's representative in Paris.
Last month, the opposition claimed Mrs Girardin was paid 27,000 US dollars a month, which the government decried as a grotesque assertion.
The opposition is upset at the size of her pay packet, pointing out that as a minister nine years ago she told it that she would close the taps for having defeated the anti-independence leader of the time, Gaston Flosse.
Defending her pay, the government side says there should be no quibble as she is ideal for the role.
