Restored allowance proposal resurfaces

A proposal to reinstate additional allowances for elected officials from Moorea has returned to Tahiti, backed by two Tavini officials, Heinui Le Caill and Vincent Maono, and the president of A Fano Ti'a, Tematai Le Gayic. The proposal is currently being reviewed by the economy committee, with a planned discussion on Tuesday.

Allowance details and cost

The allowance would provide three Tavini representatives from Moorea—Mitema Tapati, Teremuura Kohumoetini-Rurua, and Tevaipaea Hoiore—with an annual cost of 5.36 million francs. The allowance would be set at 110 index points, equivalent to 119,350 francs per month per Moorea-Maiao elected official.

Proposal's history and controversy

The proposal was first introduced by Antony Géros in April 2025, despite his earlier vote in December 2023 to eliminate the allowance to save budget funds. Géros cited a 2024 study suggesting that reimbursing actual expenses would be costlier than providing a fixed allowance, but the proposal caused internal disagreements and was withdrawn from the agenda five days after its submission.

CTC recommendations and budget context

The Territorial Chamber of Accounts (CTC) recommended in July 2024 that a specific provision be established to cover mandatory accommodation expenses for Moorea officials in Tahiti. However, the CTC did not support the reinstatement of the 119,350 francs per month allowance. The funds for the allowance are already included in the 2027 budget proposal of the assembly.

Political and economic backdrop

The restoration of the allowance is being debated in a tense political and social environment as the 2027 budget approaches. Tarahoi is recovering from a stormy budget orientation debate, and recent suspensions of strikes by CHPF practitioners were based on promises of more resources. Additionally, a 10-franc-per-liter increase in fuel prices has raised questions about the timing of the proposal's resurfacing.