The leader of French Polynesia's Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party Gaston Flosse says he has prepared to forgive his erstwhile opponent Nicolas Sarkozy in the territory's interests.
Flosse made the comment at a news conference to explain his party's plan to sign a convention with the faction of France's Republicans backing Mr Sarkozy who wants to regain the French presidency.
For years, Flosse, who is banned from office because of a corruption conviction, had alleged that Mr Sarkozy used the judicial system to get and keep him out of politics.
The Tahoeraa switched its support to Mr Sarkozy after Flosse failed to strike a deal with Mr Sarkozy's rival within the Republicains, Alain Juppe.
The new arrangement has been sharply criticised by the ruling Tapura Huiraatira party.
Speaking to Tahiti's Radio1, Flosse rebuked the Tapura leader and president Edouard Fritch, saying he was entrenching misery and was incapable.
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy will enjoy the support of the Tahoeraa Huiraatira Photo: AFP