22 Nov 2010

Ienfa to quit as French Polynesia health minister

11:19 am on 22 November 2010

The French Polynesian president, Gaston Tong Sang, has confirmed that the health minister, Jules Ienfa, is about to resign, citing personal reasons.

Mr Tong Sang has told the La Depeche newspaper that he cannot make a minister stay and personal issues are on his mind.

He has declined to say who is being considered as his replacement, putting off an announcement until he returns from a visit to Paris.

Mr Tong Sang says Mr Ienfa's departure won't trigger a re-shuffle.

His minority coalition government has been threatened by the opposition for months as it intermittently indicates it may lodge a no confidence motion.

Paris meanwhile is preparing electoral reforms as part of efforts to increase political stability.