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• A short political history
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A Short Political History

Before European settlement, French Polynesia, like much of Polynesia, was organised around tribal leadership with each island or group of islands led by chiefs known as "arii." The chiefs held authority over land, resources, and community decision-making, and were guided by spiritual and ancestral traditions. Sacred marae (temples) were central to political and religious life, where chiefs conducted ceremonies to ensure prosperity and social harmony. Inter-island rivalries and alliances were common; however, disagreements were often settled without bloodshed.

European contact began in earnest in the late 18th century with the arrival of Samuel Wallis in 1767, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville in 1768, and Captain James Cook in 1769. Cook made many scientific and social observations which included the potential commercial use of the native breadfruit trees. A year later, Captain William Bligh of the Bounty travelled to Tahiti and stayed for five months to cultivate the seedlings. Three weeks after he departed, the crew, under Fletcher Christian, mutinied and seized the ship. The captain and those loyal to him were set adrift in a small boat while some of the mutineers returned to Tahiti where they offered their services as mercenaries to the family which later became the Pōmare Dynasty.

Representatives from the London Missionary Society settled on Tahiti in 1792 and began to challenge traditional Polynesian governance and customs. Several years later, French Catholic missionaries arrived and began asserting their own influence. The rivalry between British Protestant and French Catholic missionaries intensified, with each side vying to win over the local population and gain political favour.

By the 1830s, Queen Pomare IV found herself caught between rival factions. Tensions escalated in 1839 when a French Catholic priest was expelled from Tahiti. In response, France sent French naval commander Abel Aubert du Petit-Thouars to collect reparations. Over the next three years, the admiral embarked on a campaign to force the queen and the Tahitian chiefs to sign over Tahiti as a French protectorate. She finally agreed to signing a treaty in 1842 which allowed her to retain internal control, with France responsible for foreign relations and defence.

The establishment of the protectorate was met with considerable local resistance, especially as a majority of the population were protestants. Dissatisfied with foreign interference, a resistance movement began, which eventually culminated in the Franco-Tahitian War of 1844-1847. Despite the valiant efforts of Tahitian warriors, the French military ultimately prevailed. The queen, who had returned from exile in 1847, was forced to sign a revised treaty that greatly reduced her powers.

In 1863, the French put an end to British influence and replaced the British Protestant Missions with the Société des missions évangéliques de Paris (Society of Evangelical Missions of Paris). Having almost complete control, France eventually annexed Tahiti in 1880, when King Pomare V ceded sovereignty, making the islands a French colony. Eight years later, France broke an agreement with Britain to leave the kingdoms of Raiatea, Huahine, and Bora Bora as independent – annexing the whole of what is today French Polynesia in 1888.

Post-War Developments and the Independence Movement

Following World War II, French Polynesia’s strategic importance grew, particularly as a site for French nuclear testing in the Pacific. In 1957, the region’s status was upgraded to an overseas territory, granting limited self-governance. However, opposition to French dominance intensified during the 1960s and 70s, as nuclear testing caused environmental damage and social unrest.

The independence movement gained momentum under leaders such as Pouvanaa a Oopa, who served as a Deputy in the National Assembly of France from 1949 to 1958. Often referred to as the "father of Tahitian nationalism" he campaigned tirelessly for greater autonomy and cultural preservation. Despite his efforts, Pouvanaa was arrested in 1958 on charges that have now been proven to be politically motivated. His imprisonment temporarily stalled the independence movement, but it resurfaced in the 1970s with renewed vigour.

Political life in French Polynesia was marked by instability in the early 2000s when the anti-independence right-wing president, Gaston Flosse, who had been in power since 1991, and had supported the resumption of French nuclear weapons tests in 1995, failed to secure an absolute majority in the 2004 French Polynesian legislative election. He was narrowly beaten by one vote by pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru. As no-one held an absolute majority, the leadership swapped back and forth between both parties several times in short succession. By 2007, Temaru held the presidency three times. Gaston Flosse once again ousted Temaru in 2013 but was removed from office a year later due to a corruption conviction. His successor Édouard Fritch, carried the mantle of the anti-independence movement until his party lost the 2023 election to the Tāvini Huiraʻatira party (‘People's Servant’ or ‘Serve the People’) led by Temaru. Following the election, the party’s deputy leader, Moetai Brotherson was elected president and has vowed to continue advocating for independence, but in a positive and productive way.

Pro-independence advocates continue to highlight issues such as environmental sovereignty, cultural preservation, and the right to self-determination as central to their cause. Meanwhile the French government has reiterated its commitment to supporting French Polynesia, emphasizing mutual benefits in the current arrangement.

Politics

French Polynesia operates under a unique political structure as an overseas collectivity of France. The government is headed by a President, elected by the Assembly, which consists of 57 members. The elected officials represent various political parties and are elected every five years. This legislative body oversees local matters, including education, health, and transportation.

The judiciary operates independently but follows French legal principles, ensuring alignment with the broader French judicial system. Traditional leadership roles, while largely ceremonial, continue to influence cultural and community matters, reflecting the islands’ Polynesian heritage.

Law

The legal framework in French Polynesia blends French civil law with local customs. Issues such as land ownership remain deeply rooted in Polynesian tradition, often creating complex legal challenges. Most land is held communally or under customary ownership, requiring consensus among extended families for its use or transfer. French Polynesian law also emphasises environmental protection, reflecting the region’s reliance on its natural resources.

International Diplomacy

While French Polynesia is not a sovereign nation, it participates in regional organisations such as the Pacific Islands Forum and the Polynesian Leaders Group. This allows the territory to engage with its neighbours on issues like climate change, sustainable development, and culture.

France’s influence remains prominent, with bilateral agreements governing military protection, economic aid, and international representation. Despite France overseeing foreign relations, French Polynesia has fostered positive relations and people-to-people links with many other nations – including Australia and New Zealand – through trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

Relationship with France

The relationship between French Polynesia and France is multifaceted and is largely driven by economic interdependence, strategic benefit, and cultural ties. France provides substantial financial aid which accounts for a significant portion of the territory’s GDP. Investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare have improved living standards but has also deepened the territory’s reliance on French support. France also provides much needed disaster relief and emergency assistance, with the effects of climate change being the greatest threat facing the islands.

Cultural exchanges between French Polynesia and mainland France are frequent, reinforcing shared values. However, the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing debate over independence remain sensitive topics which continues to dominate the territory’s politics. It has also resulted in social division depending on which side of the debate you support.

International Forums

French Polynesia is an active participant in international forums, advocating for issues such as ocean conservation and indigenous rights. It holds observer status at the United Nations and plays a vocal role in climate change negotiations, drawing attention to the threats facing small island territories.

Efforts to gain greater international recognition continue, with leaders emphasising French Polynesia’s unique cultural identity and strategic importance. While full independence remains elusive, the islands’ active engagement in global affairs underscores their aspirations for the future.

For more information on French Polynesia’s political history, see resources below:

Podcast:

• The History Hour – Independence in French Polynesia and the 'Queen of Cuba' – BBC Sounds

Videos:

• Pacific territory to vote on split from French rule I SBS News | SBS News
• French president Macron visits former colonies in French Polynesia

Articles:

• French Polynesia – Islands, Society, Government | Britannica
• “Hijacking decolonisation”: French Polynesia at the United Nations • Inside Story
• The pro-independence forces are likely to push the French authorities to negotiate a referendum on French Polynesia status – Robert Lansing Institute
• UN adds French Polynesia to decolonisation list
• French Polynesia’s New Pro-Independence Leadership – The Diplomat
• Indo-Pacific: 8 questions to understand on France’s regional strategy - Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
• Pacific Islands – Colonialism, WWI, Melanesia | Britannica
• French Polynesia country brief | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• France’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Summary – French Government