French Polynesia's new vice-president is the transport minister Jean-Christophe Bouissou, who replaces Tearii Alpha.
French Polynesia's new vice-president is the transport minister Jean-Christophe Bouissou Photo: MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP
Mr Alpha was sacked for refusing to comply with the new law making Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory.
The law was to come into force last month but amid broad resistance, its application has been put off until next month.
President Edouard Fritch decided to keep Mr Alpha in his government, saying he was an old colleague and was familiar with his portfolios.
This prompted the tourism minister Nicole Bouteau to resign in protest, objecting to a minister being allowed to go against the government policy.
Mr Fritch didn't name a replacement but decided to split her workload among other ministers.
Another senior figure of the ruling Tapura Huiraatira party, Gaston Tong Sang, who is the president of the assembly, is also refusing to be vaccinated.
French Polynesia's Tourism Minister Nicole Bouteau, resigned in protest at Tearii Alpha keeping his portfolios. Photo: VALERIE MACON / AFP
He can only be removed by the assembly and only if he is found to be permanently incapacitated for either physical or mental reasons.