Steeve Hamblin's Senate Campaign Focuses on Local Polynesian Communes and Economic Revival

Steeve Hamblin has launched his 2026 Senate campaign targeting economic and social challenges in French Polynesia, emphasizing the crucial role of local communes. Running independently of major parties, Hamblin aims to increase resources and autonomy for communes to better address issues such as inflation, drug problems, and deteriorating living conditions, according to a report from La1ere. His running mate, Namoeata Bernardino, brings valuable local political experience to the ticket.

Hamblin, formerly Polynesia's Minister of Tourism, highlights the importance of balancing tourism growth with environmental sustainability, particularly in managing infrastructure and natural resources. A key goal of his campaign is to secure European funding while preserving Polynesian autonomy. He also intends to continue advocacy for victims of nuclear tests and strengthen municipal powers and financing.

Economic revitalization is a central theme amid social difficulties. Hamblin stresses that communes possess the intimate knowledge needed to address their communities' priorities effectively. This grassroots approach contrasts with more centralized political movements.

While the broader French maritime economy employs hundreds of thousands, with significant jobs in tourism, shipbuilding, and transport, Hamblin's platform uniquely focuses on the local economy's social fabric and governance in French Polynesia, aiming to empower these island communities within the French Republic framework and European cooperation mechanisms.