20 Nov 2009

Motion of no confidence lodged in French Polynesia

9:45 am on 20 November 2009

A motion of no confidence has been lodged in French Polynesia to oust the Oscar Temaru-led government which was formed last April.

The motion has been signed by the opposition Tahoeraa Huiraatira, several outer island assembly members and the To Tatou Aia Party which has been part of government.

Tahitipresse reports that the To Tatou Aia ministers resigned this morning.

A vote is expected next week.

If successful, the motion will see the return of Gaston Tong Sang to the presidency less than nine months after he resigned from the post.

The ruling coalition has been plagued by disagreements for weeks as the assembly struggles to finalise a 2010 budget.

The new government would be the fourth since last year's early general election.