Members of the assembly in French Polynesia have closed the budget debate without passing the 2008 appropriations.
The finance minister, Antony Geros, accused the opposition side of being irresponsible for not supporting the budget proposal.
Instead, the opposition members, who have a majority, decided to close the sitting as the territory readies itself for an early general election in two rounds of voting in January and February.
A new budget will have to be approved before the end of March.
If the assembly fails to do so, it will be up to the French state to provide the financial management.
Project financing already approved will continue but salaries and other operational expenses over the next three to four months will be limited to one twelfth of the existing budget.