However, the Constitutional Council of France ruled that this description was merely a designation and not a legal status, as that would have been unconstitutional.
The territory's new status meant a certain autonomy for French Polynesia in the Pacific region.
In addition, French Polynesia gained the power to oppose the application of laws voted by the French Parliament that do not respect these areas of responsibility.
Furthermore, it established French Polynesian citizenship based on permanent residency – a requirement for the right to vote in regional elections.
However, France maintains control over justice, security and public order, currency, defence, and foreign policy.