Flosse, Gaston (1931- )

French Polynesian right-of-centre politician, head of government 1984-87 and from 1991. He founded the Tahoeraa Huiraatira (TH) as a regional offshoot of the right-wing Rally for the Republic (RPR) party in 1977 and served in the French National Assembly 1978-82 and 1993-97. President of the French Polynesia Territorial Assembly's council of ministers from 1984, he resigned in 1987 after criticisms of inappropriate use of public funds, but returned in 1991 and also served as minister for foreign affairs and tourism. Formerly a supporter of French nuclear tests in the South Pacific, he changed his stance in 1995 as opposition to renewed nuclear tests helped to strengthen the movement for independence from France, a policy which he firmly opposed.

Born at Rikitea, in the Gambier islands, Flosse became mayor of Pirae in 1965 and was first elected to the French Polynesia Territorial Assembly in 1967.