The former French Polynesian president Gaston Flosse has denounced the French government after the highest court in France upheld his ineligibility.
Gaston Flosse Photo: AFP
The court rejected his bid to clear him for next month's territorial election in which he wanted to return to office after being given two bans for corruption.
In his first reaction, Flosse said the decision was in the logic of the French government which wanted to decapitate him and have him removed from politics.
But he said they do not know him and he will keep going as long as he is standing.
His lawyer has alleged that the court failed to understand the relevant terminology and wondered at what point it twisted the neck of the French language.
Flosse's political rival Oscar Temaru said the decision is not good news as many candidates are still allowed to stand despite criminal convictions for abuse of funds.
Among them are president Edouard Fritch as well as a former president Gaston Tong Sang, who are top ranked within the ruling Tapura Huiraatira party.