Pacific

French parliamentarian hits out at French Polynesia leaders

13:52 pm on 23 January 2008

A French parliamentarian has strongly criticised the politics of French Polynesia just days before the territory is to hold the first round of an early general election.

Jean-Christophe Lagarde of the New Centre has labelled the so-called Flosse-Temaru system as a disgrace.

Mr Flosse was president for most of the past 20 years while Mr Temaru held power for three of the last four years.

Mr Lagarde says the two politicians have taken French Polynesia hostage for 25 years, and if the territory fails to progress, they are co-responsible.

He has called on voters to abandon the old system and to opt to support Gaston Tong Sang of the pro-autonomy To Tatou Aia Party.