PAPE’ETE (Oceania Flash) — An estimated 20,000 people on Sunday took to the streets of French Polynesia’s capital Pape’ete to celebrate what is known as “Autonomy Day,” the territorial agency Tahitipresse reports.
The traditional parade, to mark the French territory’s accession to an autonomy status, featured a parade with local associations, NGOs, sports teams and dance groups.
In other places of the capital, bands played in the open air, while fireworks closed the day.
Autonomy Day refers to the anniversary of June 29, 1880, when the Leeward and Windward island groups became part of France.
But it truly became Autonomy Day in 1984, when French Polynesia managed to have its relationship to France amended.
Since then executive powers are assumed by the local government of French Polynesia.
The status further evolved six years ago, when France granted more powers to its French Pacific territory’s government, giving it the leeway to take charge of its international relations.
French Polynesia, although still part of France, has its own flag and anthem, “‘Ia ora ‘o Tahiti Nui.”
As a result of a recent visit to Paris, French Polynesia’s President Gaston Flosse announced further evolutions of the autonomy status, which could involve the Pacific territory status to be changed into “Pacific overseas country,” in the next few weeks.
Lawyers from Paris and Pape’ete are reported to be currently working on a draft.
