Gaston Flosse
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Gaston Flosse (born 1931) is a politician in French Polynesia.
He supports that country's current autonomy arrangement with France and has led the conservative pro-autonomy 'Tahoeraa Huiraatira' (People's Rally for the Republic Party) for over 20 years. He was the vice-president of the government council from 1982 until 1984, when more autonomy was gained and he became President of the Governing Council. He held that position from 1984 until 1987 and from 1991 until 2004.
On February 27, 2004, French Polynesia's autonomy was increased again and Flosse became President of French Polynesia. However, shortly afterward, his party lost parliamentary elections, and on June 15 he left office when parliament elected the pro-independence leader, Oscar Temaru to the presidency.
On October 8, 2004, his party put new president Oscar Temaru in minority. Two days later Flosse candidated for the Presidency again. On October 22, 2004, he was re-elected to the Presidency, and took office that day, although doubt was cast on the legitimacy of this election by Antony Géros, the Assembly President. (see French Polynesia political crisis 2004). Early in 2005, Flosse's party lost parliamentary by-elections which were set up as a compromise after pressure from Temaru's supporters. On February 18, 2005, Flosse lost the presidency again in a parliamentary confidence vote, and on March 3, 2005, Temaru was elected president and Flosse left office.
Flosse was able to rule with the support of different, centrist parties and groupings. Apart from holding the post of president of the territory, he has also held the portfolios of tourism minister and housing minister. He is the mayor of Pirea municipality north of Papeete. He is the representative for the territory in the National Assembly in Paris.
President Jacques Chirac of France has a close personal association with Gaston Flosse, being a godfather to Flosse's youngest son. It is alleged this gives Flosse special access to the highest levels of power in France, which he has utilised in negotiating aid packages and financial support for the territory.
Flosse enjoys the backing of most French settlers in Polynesia