In brief: TAHITI — Largest protest march ever

October 27, 2004
Issue 
604

On October 16, at least 15,000 Tahitians participated in the largest protest march ever staged in French Polynesia, marching through the streets of Papeete, the capital, to demand the dissolution of the territory's parliament and new elections. The demonstrators were angered by the removal from office of President Oscar Temaru's government the previous weekend. Temaru, the first pro-independence president, was elected in June, after his party won 30 seats in the 57-member French Polynesia Assembly. The censure motion against Temaru came about because one of the pro-independence legislators switched sides. After the censure was carried, the assembly restored conservative leader Gaston Flosse to the presidency. Temaru's supporters allege that Brigette Girardin, France's minister for overseas territories, orchestrated Temaru's ousting. Flosse denounced the protest march as a "popular uprising".

From Green Left Weekly, October 27, 2004.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.