French Polynesia's assembly president Marcel Tuihani has expressed his concerns over homelessness in Tahiti.
This file photo taken on September 28, 2014 shows Marcel Tuihani, the new president of Polynesia's assembly, meeting supporters of the Orange party in Papeete. Photo: GREGORY BOISSY / AFP
Mr Tuihani, who is in the process of forming his own political party, said the territorial government and the local administration need to work together to take care of the hundreds of people living in the street.
In an interview with the public broadcaster, Mr Tuihani said there is money around.
"We have the financial means, the IEOM [overseas institute acting as central bank] speaks of 422 billion Pacific francs [or more than 4 billion US dollars]. How can it then be that this country cannot raise itself so that all families can live with dignity. I don't understand."
Marcel Tuihani said he wants to divert the political discourse away from the debate over independence or autonomy.
Mr Tuihani quit the long dominant Tahoeraa Huiraatira Party six months ago.
