The French overseas minister Annick Girardin says it is up to Wallis and Futuna to advocate for changes to the territory's 1961 statute.
Speaking to members of the territorial assembly, she said France would be on their side if they so wished to proceed with changes.
Ms Girardin said there have been repeated suggestions to transfer the executive power from the French-appointed prefect to the local assembly but it is up to Wallis and Futuna to decide.
The assembly president David Verge said reforms should be made progressively and with the support of all political forces.
According to the public broadcaster, the opposition's Sylvain Brial said he is for a reform if the territory's kings and chiefs are consulted.
Aerial of Futuna, Wallis and Futuna, South Pacific, Pacific Photo: Michael Runkel
