The right-wing National Front in New Caledonia appears to have split, with the smaller faction being the one recognised by the party's leadership in Paris.
The National Front in Noumea is the only overseas branch with members elected into a legislature on provincial and municipal level.
But the deputy secretary, Bernard Herpin, has spoken out against his leader, Guy George, for allegedly moving to close to the political line advocated by the dominant The Future Together Party.
The newspaper, Les Nouvelles Caledoniennes, says a split is seemingly inevitable.
It says this may prompt Mr Herpin to form a new party.
The National Front is opposed to the 1998 Noumea Accord on greater autonomy.
