Pacific / French Polynesia

New political party formed in French Polynesia

21:32 pm on 29 March 2022

A new political party has been launched in French Polynesia, led by assembly members who have quit the ruling Tapura Huiraatira Party.

A weekend congress, attended by about 700 people, saw the official formation of a new political party. Named "A here ia Porinetia" the new party vows to seek greater transparency from government.

The new party's president, Nicole Sanquer, is a member of the French National Assembly and its vice-president, Felix Tokoragi is mayor of Makemo.

The party's leadership also includes a second vice-president Nuihau Laurey, who was a French Senator and the territory's vice-president.

French Polynesia Sports Minister Madam Nicole Sanquer. Photo: ONOC

One of the new party's key policies is limiting terms for elected officials. The party proposes that a maximum of 2 terms for elected officials would prevent people entering into office "for life."

The party says it will field candidates in this year's French National Assembly election, with Ms Sanquer seeking a second term.

Mr Laurey said that in next month's French presidential election, the party will endorse the National Rally's Marine Le Pen.