French Polynesia has elected a pro-independence party, giving contemporary impetus to long-standing requires a referendum in France’s sprawling abroad territory within the South Pacific.
The Tavini Huiraatira party, led by former president Oscar Temaru, gained an absolute majority within the Assembly of French Polynesia, taking 38 of the 57 seats, French newspaper Le Figaro reported. The meeting will elect a president of the territory for a five-year time period later this month, who might then push an independence bid.
French Polynesia already has a level of autonomy, with duty for insurance policies together with well being care, major and secondary schooling, and the atmosphere. In this regard it’s nearer to British and Dutch abroad territories than to different French possessions reminiscent of Réunion and Guadeloupe, that are handled the identical as continental departments.
Nevertheless, Paris retains management over points reminiscent of larger schooling and protection coverage. Independence has been a problem for many years: Temaru based the Front de libération de la Polynésie, which might later develop into Tavini Huiraatira, in 1977.
Winning an absolute majority could give Tavini Huiraatira its finest shot but at independence, although this may want approval from Paris. French Interior and Overseas Minister Gérald Darmanin tweeted his congratulations to the victors — whereas additionally pledging to “continue to improve the daily life of our Polynesian fellow-citizens.”
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