French Polynesia's president, Gaston Flosse, has downplayed the car crash of the transport minister, Bruno Marty, who has subsequently resigned.
Mr Marty crashed his car on Friday night while driving under the influence of alcohol.
Mr Marty, who has also been in charge of road safety, was admitted to hospital with minor injuries.
Mr Flosse has paid tribute to the minister's work on public radio, saying the accident was normal given that Mr Marty worked up to 18 hours a day and didn't have a driver.
It's not known if charges will be laid.
No replacement minister has been named yet.