In French Polynesia, the separatists won the territorial elections on Sunday. A new chapter in the relationship between Paris and the French central power is now opening.
The salute of victory. Sunday, April 30, in French Polynesia, the separatists won the territorial elections, in the second round, against the autonomists of the Tapura movement. This victory is carried by the figure of the Tavini movement, Oscar Temaru, and the deputy of Nupes, Moetai Brotherson. She asks several questions about the future of the relationship between the five archipelagos with Paris.
1 Is this the start of the road to independence?
As soon as the results were announced, the winners reaffirmed their desire to free themselves from France. “It’s the only way if we want to eradicate the poverty that is eating away at our country”, assured Oscar Temaru. However, according to several politicians, there will be no referendum on self-determination for 10 to 15 years. The separatists intend to rely on the UN. She placed Polynesia on the list of territories to “decolonize”.
2 What will Polynesia’s new relationship with Paris look like?
Currently, Polynesia enjoys a large degree of autonomy. The representatives of the local Assembly notably draw up what are called the “laws of the land”, which fall within the domain of the law. The President of Polynesia plays a leading role. “He has more powerful levers than a president of a regional council. For five years, he decides everything in Polynesia”summed up political scientist Sémir Al Wardi last month with franceinfo.
Gérald Darmanin has taken note of the desire for change. “We will work with the newly elected majority with commitment and rigor, to continue to improve the daily lives of our fellow Polynesian citizens”, tweeted the Minister of the Interior on Monday. In his message, he did not mention independence, which testifies to a possible refreshing of relations between the archipelagos and the metropolis, because only Paris can decide on a referendum. “We inevitably enter into a showdown, which could have the calendar as a central point”explains political scientist Benjamin Morel.
“Ten years, fifteen years… What are the deadlines before a possible independence referendum?”
Benjamin Morel, political scientistto France 2
3 What reforms could the separatists carry out?
In their program, the separatists claim to want to protect local employment, help agriculture and crafts and promote tourism. Every year, the French State pays one billion euros to pay the teachers, the police and the administration. To become independent, Polynesia should therefore find new resources to make up for this possible lack.