The president of French Polynesia's assembly Marcel Tuihani says he will take legal action against the author of an open letter which criticised his running of the assembly.
Marcel Tuihani Photo: AFP PHOTO / GREGORY BOISSY
The letter was signed by about 60 employees who complained about harassment and demanded the sacking of Mr Tuihani's chief of staff.
The signatories said they were being bullied and humiliated on a daily basis and no longer want to be treated like dogs or spoiled children.
Mr Tuihani said the letter was a low blow and aimed to denigrate him in the lead-up to the election.
He said the letter was full of lies, abusive and degrading.
Mr Tuihani said it was intolerable, prompting him to seek redress for defamation.
Mr Tuihani was a former top politician of the Gaston Flosse-led Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party but left it last year.
He wants to run for an assembly this year as the leader of a new party Te Ora Api no Porinetia.