A key leader of French Polynesia's To Tatou Aia coalition has expressed his displeasure over the demands by the Tahoeraa Huiraatira to form a majority for the new assembly's five-year term.
Hiro Tefaarere of the Aia Api Party made this known ahead of today's scheduled talks between the To Tatou Aia leader, Gaston Tong Sang, and the Tahoeraa's Edouard Fritch who wants to have five ministerial positions for the Tahoeraa as well as the presidency of the assembly.
Mr Tefaarere says this is in excess of the representation the Tahoeraa has secured in the election for a new assembly.
He says the unacceptable demands are aimed at forging closer links between the Tahoeraa leader, Gaston Flosse, and Oscar Temaru of the Union For Democracy, which Mr Tefaarere says might intimidate the French state.
Before the election, Mr Fritch accused France of trying to get rid of the old guard led by Mr Flosse who last year supported Mr Temaru to oust the government led by Mr Tong Sang.
Today's talks come as three days remain before the assembly is due to elect a speaker.
