The French High Commissioner to French Polynesia Rene Bidal has spoken out against a call to declare a state of emergency in Tahiti.
Papeete, capital of French Polynesia Photo: RNZI
Speaking on public television, he said such action would not be justified, and it would be of no help to the economic recovery to see armed security personnel on patrol in Papeete.
His response came after a French Polynesian member of the French Senate called for a state of emergency to counter the presence of three jailed men, classified as extremists, and a threat to public safety.
The opposition Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party has lodged a motion in the assembly, seeking to deport the three inmates to France, in order to make the territory free of any classified extremists.
Mr Bidal also rejected the idea, saying deportations have been stopped for about a century.
Two weeks ago, the president issued a statement warning against giving in to a psychosis.
