THE resignation of 15 lawmakers from the ruling Tavini Huiraatira party has fragmented French Polynesian politics, reshaped the legislature, and deepened internal rifts over the pace of independence from France.
During its first administrative sitting on Friday, the 57-seat assembly saw a historic split within the pro-independence Tavini party.
The breakaway group, calling itself “A Fano Tia” (Stay the course), is led by 25-year-old Tematai Le Gayic and has distanced itself from the party’s “old guard.”
The remaining Tavini faction, headed by 81-year-old former President Oscar Temaru and Speaker Antony Géros, now holds only 22 seats losing its outright majority.
The new configuration leaves no single party in control. The opposition pro-autonomy Tapura Huiraatira holds 16 seats, with four independents. A Fano Tia, which is seen as close to current President Moetai Brotherson, appeared in white at the sitting—a deliberate contrast to Tavini’s official light blue.
The session saw heated exchanges between the two Tavini factions, while the pro-France opposition watched largely as spectators. President Brotherson, who is married to Temaru’s daughter, has publicly advocated for a gradual path to independence over 10 to 15 years, saying “this choice can be neither imposed nor rushed.” Temaru’s wing favors a shorter, more confrontational approach toward Paris.
Despite the tensions, both sides have ruled out a no-confidence motion against Brotherson’s government, with Géros vowing to let him “carry the weight of his presidency until 2028.” Tapura also pledged not to fuel instability, though it lamented that the assembly’s time had been “confiscated by internal bickering.”
Key committee chairs remain with Tavini, including finance and education, while Tapura gained health and solidarity. The next territorial elections are set for 2028.
Source: RNZ
