an unsure end result in Papeete the conservative | EUROtoday

Seven candidates are vying to succeed Michel Buillard, mayor of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, for thirty years. And, as within the 2023 territorial elections, tensions between autonomy candidates may gain advantage the independence contender, Tematai Le Gayic.

Apart from the quick interlude supplied by Louise Carlson between 1993 and 1995, Papeete has solely identified two mayors in 5 many years. Jean Juventin (1977-1993) and Michel Buillard (since 1995). These “tavana”as they’re known as in Polynesia, have all the time been fervent autonomists, who defend the upkeep of the Polynesian neighborhood within the French Republic, like their predecessors: on this conservative metropolis, the financial coronary heart of the territory, the separatists have by no means gained.

But the ambition of Tematai Le Gayic, the youngest deputy in France elected in 2022, at solely 21 years outdated, might reshuffle the playing cards. This separatist continues to be elected to the Assembly of French Polynesia, however he’s not a parliamentarian for the reason that dissolution of the National Assembly in June 2024. He has time to journey by the neighborhoods of Corbeille d’eau, the identify translated from Tahitian for the town of Papeete, constructed on former swamps.

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