The French Polynesian opposition has accused the president, Oscar Temaru, of using a tyrant's language by warning of a social explosion if the territory has an early election.
The Te Tatou Aia Party issued a statement, saying Mr Temaru's warning is not only unreal but dictatorial.
It says his party decried the French state as being colonial when it was in opposition and sought an early election but has changed his stance now that it is in government.
Mr Temaru issued a statement to express opposition to shortening his government's term due to end in 2013, saying this would immediately trigger a credit ratings downgrade.
Mr Temaru came to power last two months ago after winning a no-confidence vote to oust the administration led by the To Tatou Aia leader, Gaston Tong Sang.
