A top New Caledonian politician Philippe Gomes says the guilty verdict against him in last week's court case is unacceptable.
Gomes was fined $US17,000 for exerting undue influence because his dual role was ruled illegal in 2018.
Philippe Gomes Photo: AFP
He was the board chair of an energy company in Noumea while serving in both the French National Assembly and New Caledonia's Congress.
He said the fine given by the court had been suspended, which meant he would not have to pay it but was still left with a conviction.
Gomes said for years he had fought to get a new power plant, yet being engaged in the public interest had landed him in court.
He said the crime of exerting undue influence was not created to punish politicians acting in the public interest.
He would therefore appeal the ruling, Gomes said.