French Polynesia's mainly pro-independence Union For Democracy has formalised its split from the Tahoeraa Huiraatira in the assembly by reassuming its old name.
The group had maintained a broader grouping when the two main leaders, Oscar Temaru and Gaston Flosse, joined forces in 2008.
In a statement, the Union For Democracy is pointing at the weakness of the government after 33 members of the assembly's 57 backed the opposition in passing a local shipping law.
