French Polynesia's president says the government's proposed pension reform is urgent because the fund ensuring payments has reserves lasting no more than a year and a half.
Edouard Fritch Photo: supplied / French Polynesian Presidency
Edouard Fritch made the statement in a comprehensive address to the territorial assembly as five unions are on a general strike in a bid to halt the reform.
Mr Fritch says in April he withdrew the project because of the impending election as he didn't want the public to be held hostage to prolonged strike action, which at the time included an invasion of the assembly.
The latest strike, which was launched yesterday, has had little support but affected port operations in Papeete.
One union leader has called for a rally outside the assembly tomorrow when the reperesentatives are expected to vote for the reform which will raise the retirement age to 62.
In his speech, Mr Fritch said the economy is growing and jobs are being created.
He also says big projects, such as the Tahitian Village and the Hao fish farm, are on track.