Macron Suggests New Options For New Caledonia's Future Status
French President Emmanuel Macron's has unveiled a range of options regarding New Caledonia's future political status at a "New Caledonia summit" in Paris this week.
Speaking at the opening session of an open-ended forum dedicated to the French Pacific territory - but behind closed doors - Macron was reported as mentioning, as part of a range of possible options, an "associated State" status for New Caledonia, with a "strong link with France".
Other options mentioned by the French Head of State include a status quo or a "large autonomy".
However, all options would be tied to a necessary "reconstruction" and refoundation" period of "15 to 20 years" in order to rebuild New Caledonia's economic and social fabric that has been severely damaged following riots that took place in May 2024.
The riots resulted in 14 deaths and over €2 billion in material damage, triggering a downfall of an estimated 15 to 20 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and leaving thousands of people unemployed.
15 to 20 years transition to rebuild
During the transition period, New Caledonia would be ruled by a specific "fundamental law", a de facto constitution enshrined in the French Constitution that would replace the 1998 Nouméa Accord.
At the end of the transition period, a referendum would be held to endorse a "project" for New Caledonia's socio-economic model.
Mixed reactions from political parties
The presidential statements have triggered several reactions from all sides of New Caledonia's political chessboard.
On the pro-France side of parties that want New Caledonia to remain part of France, New Caledonia's Southern Province President Sonia Backès said she favoured the notion of a 15 to 20 years transitional period, but remained "totally opposed" to the notion of an associated State.
On the pro-independence side, the mention of an Associated State prompted positive, albeit cautious reactions from the main independence movement, the FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front).
Its chief negotiator, Emmanuel Tjibaou, during a press conference held on the margins of the summit on Thursday, told media Macron's initial speech was "interesting", especially the fact that the word "associated State" was uttered.
"We're interested in this. It commits us to a trajectory".
Tjibaou however said their camp required that all this be "put to paper, in writing".
"We remain vigilant, we need concrete and written elements (from France)", he said.
"We discuss and then we go back to our base to validate the process (...) That's how we operate".
Put it in writing
But other FLNKS representatives remain doubtful that any sort of agreement would be inked, at least not this time, "even if we stay one week, two weeks, one month", said delegation member Mickaël Forrest during the same media conference.
The conference was also attended by FLNKS president Christian Téin, who attempted to join the "summit" on Wednesday but was denied access because he was not on the list of invited guests.
"(Macron) holds the keys to his house. I accept that", Téin said, adding he fully trusted the FLNKS delegation.
Téin was released from a jail in Mulhouse (North-East of France), where he spent one year, after he was arrested.
Under lighter judicial control conditions, he is now awaiting trial for criminal-related charges, but is not to interfere with persons related to his case and is still not allowed to return to New Caledonia.
Talks are still underway among delegations of political representatives, all gathered behind closed doors in a hotel in the city of Bougival (West of Paris).
There is no specified duration for the series of political meetings, which could last "as long as necessary".
'Economic and Social College'
In parallel to the political talks this week in Paris, another conference is also dedicated to New Caledonia's necessary economic reform, including the crucial nickel mining industry, which is also facing a near-collapse situation.
The so-called "Economic and Social College" started on Thursday, at the French Ministry for Overseas and is expected to last until Friday.
There are four themes organised into roundtables and workshops: the reform of New Caledonia's economic and social fabric, including taxes, the nickel industry, the economy's diversification and its relations to Pacific neighbours.
The guest, State Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, is flanked by Minister for public accounts Amélie de Montchalin.
She stressed the interdependence between economy and politics.
"While economy is essential to (New Caledonia's) success, a political agreement is also essential to the economy's rebound", she said.
Business leaders in the French Pacific territory have consistently stressed the need for "visibility", security and stability if New Caledonia was to remain attractive to existing and potential investors.
The meeting also involves politicians as well as Mayors of New Caledonia and socio-economic and civil society stakeholders.
Business leaders association MEDEF-NC leader Mimsy Daly hailed the approach, but said now was the time to "take into account New Caledonians' suffering on a daily basis."
"We hope something positive will come out of this quickly."
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12 hours ago
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Macron Suggests New Options For New Caledonia's Future Status
Patrick Decloitre, Correspondent French Pacific Desk French President Emmanuel Macron's has unveiled a range of options regarding New Caledonia's future political status at a "New Caledonia summit" in Paris this week. Speaking at the opening session of an open-ended forum dedicated to the French Pacific territory - but behind closed doors - Macron was reported as mentioning, as part of a range of possible options, an "associated State" status for New Caledonia, with a "strong link with France". Other options mentioned by the French Head of State include a status quo or a "large autonomy". However, all options would be tied to a necessary "reconstruction" and refoundation" period of "15 to 20 years" in order to rebuild New Caledonia's economic and social fabric that has been severely damaged following riots that took place in May 2024. The riots resulted in 14 deaths and over €2 billion in material damage, triggering a downfall of an estimated 15 to 20 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and leaving thousands of people unemployed. 15 to 20 years transition to rebuild During the transition period, New Caledonia would be ruled by a specific "fundamental law", a de facto constitution enshrined in the French Constitution that would replace the 1998 Nouméa Accord. At the end of the transition period, a referendum would be held to endorse a "project" for New Caledonia's socio-economic model. Mixed reactions from political parties The presidential statements have triggered several reactions from all sides of New Caledonia's political chessboard. On the pro-France side of parties that want New Caledonia to remain part of France, New Caledonia's Southern Province President Sonia Backès said she favoured the notion of a 15 to 20 years transitional period, but remained "totally opposed" to the notion of an associated State. On the pro-independence side, the mention of an Associated State prompted positive, albeit cautious reactions from the main independence movement, the FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front). Its chief negotiator, Emmanuel Tjibaou, during a press conference held on the margins of the summit on Thursday, told media Macron's initial speech was "interesting", especially the fact that the word "associated State" was uttered. "We're interested in this. It commits us to a trajectory". Tjibaou however said their camp required that all this be "put to paper, in writing". "We remain vigilant, we need concrete and written elements (from France)", he said. "We discuss and then we go back to our base to validate the process (...) That's how we operate". Put it in writing But other FLNKS representatives remain doubtful that any sort of agreement would be inked, at least not this time, "even if we stay one week, two weeks, one month", said delegation member Mickaël Forrest during the same media conference. The conference was also attended by FLNKS president Christian Téin, who attempted to join the "summit" on Wednesday but was denied access because he was not on the list of invited guests. "(Macron) holds the keys to his house. I accept that", Téin said, adding he fully trusted the FLNKS delegation. Téin was released from a jail in Mulhouse (North-East of France), where he spent one year, after he was arrested. Under lighter judicial control conditions, he is now awaiting trial for criminal-related charges, but is not to interfere with persons related to his case and is still not allowed to return to New Caledonia. Talks are still underway among delegations of political representatives, all gathered behind closed doors in a hotel in the city of Bougival (West of Paris). There is no specified duration for the series of political meetings, which could last "as long as necessary". 'Economic and Social College' In parallel to the political talks this week in Paris, another conference is also dedicated to New Caledonia's necessary economic reform, including the crucial nickel mining industry, which is also facing a near-collapse situation. The so-called "Economic and Social College" started on Thursday, at the French Ministry for Overseas and is expected to last until Friday. There are four themes organised into roundtables and workshops: the reform of New Caledonia's economic and social fabric, including taxes, the nickel industry, the economy's diversification and its relations to Pacific neighbours. The guest, State Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, is flanked by Minister for public accounts Amélie de Montchalin. She stressed the interdependence between economy and politics. "While economy is essential to (New Caledonia's) success, a political agreement is also essential to the economy's rebound", she said. Business leaders in the French Pacific territory have consistently stressed the need for "visibility", security and stability if New Caledonia was to remain attractive to existing and potential investors. The meeting also involves politicians as well as Mayors of New Caledonia and socio-economic and civil society stakeholders. Business leaders association MEDEF-NC leader Mimsy Daly hailed the approach, but said now was the time to "take into account New Caledonians' suffering on a daily basis." "We hope something positive will come out of this quickly."
RNZ News
19 hours ago
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Macron suggests new options for New Caledonia's future status
Demonstration in support New Caledonia against the unfreezing of the electoral body, Place de la Republique, in Paris. 25 May 2024. Photo: AFP / Fiora Garenzi / Hans Lucas French President Emmanuel Macron's has unveiled a range of options regarding New Caledonia's future political status at a "New Caledonia summit" in Paris this week. Speaking at the opening session of an open-ended forum dedicated to the French Pacific territory - but behind closed doors - Macron was reported as mentioning, as part of a range of possible options, an "associated State" status for New Caledonia, with a "strong link with France". Other options mentioned by the French Head of State include a status quo or a "large autonomy". However, all options would be tied to a necessary "reconstruction" and refoundation" period of "15 to 20 years" in order to rebuild New Caledonia's economic and social fabric that has been severely damaged following riots that took place in May 2024. The riots resulted in 14 deaths and over €2 billion in material damage, triggering a downfall of an estimated 15 to 20 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and leaving thousands of people unemployed. During the transition period, New Caledonia would be ruled by a specific "fundamental law", a de facto constitution enshrined in the French Constitution that would replace the 1998 Nouméa Accord. At the end of the transition period, a referendum would be held to endorse a "project" for New Caledonia's socio-economic model. France's President Emmanuel Macron, left, France's Minister of Overseas Manuel Valls, France's Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, President of the French National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet, Secretary General of the French Presidency Emmanuel Moulin, first vice-president of the customary senate of New Caledonia Ludovic Boula, representative of the second vice-president of the customary senate Victor Gogny, and President of the customary senate Aguetil Mahe Gowe attend a custom ceremony as the inauguration of a summit on New Caledonia at the Elysee Palace in Paris on 2 July 2025. Photo: AFP / Ludovic Marin The presidential statements have triggered several reactions from all sides of New Caledonia's political chessboard. On the pro-France side of parties that want New Caledonia to remain part of France, New Caledonia's Southern Province President Sonia Backès said she favoured the notion of a 15 to 20 years transitional period, but remained "totally opposed" to the notion of an associated State. On the pro-independence side, the mention of an Associated State prompted positive, albeit cautious reactions from the main independence movement, the FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front). Its chief negotiator, Emmanuel Tjibaou, during a press conference held on the margins of the summit on Thursday, told media Macron's initial speech was "interesting", especially the fact that the word "associated State" was uttered. "We're interested in this. It commits us to a trajectory". Tjibaou however said their camp required that all this be "put to paper, in writing". "We remain vigilant, we need concrete and written elements (from France)", he said. "We discuss and then we go back to our base to validate the process (...) That's how we operate". President of the French National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet (L), France's Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, France's President Emmanuel Macron, France's Minister of Overseas Manuel Valls and President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher attend a session of a summit on New Caledonia at the Elysee Palace in Paris on 2 July 2025. Photo: AFP / Ludovic / Marin But other FLNKS representatives remain doubtful that any sort of agreement would be inked, at least not this time, "even if we stay one week, two weeks, one month", said delegation member Mickaël Forrest during the same media conference. The conference was also attended by FLNKS president Christian Téin, who attempted to join the "summit" on Wednesday but was denied access because he was not on the list of invited guests. "(Macron) holds the keys to his house. I accept that", Téin said, adding he fully trusted the FLNKS delegation. Téin was released from a jail in Mulhouse (North-East of France), where he spent one year, after he was arrested. Under lighter judicial control conditions, he is now awaiting trial for criminal-related charges, but is not to interfere with persons related to his case and is still not allowed to return to New Caledonia. Talks are still underway among delegations of political representatives, all gathered behind closed doors in a hotel in the city of Bougival (West of Paris). There is no specified duration for the series of political meetings, which could last "as long as necessary". New Caledonia's FLNKS chief negotiator Emmanuel Tjibaou (L) and FLNKS President Christian Téin at a media conference on 3 July 2025. Photo: Supplied / Outremer la 1ère In parallel to the political talks this week in Paris, another conference is also dedicated to New Caledonia's necessary economic reform, including the crucial nickel mining industry, which is also facing a near-collapse situation. The so-called "Economic and Social College" started on Thursday, at the French Ministry for Overseas and is expected to last until Friday. There are four themes organised into roundtables and workshops: the reform of New Caledonia's economic and social fabric, including taxes, the nickel industry, the economy's diversification and its relations to Pacific neighbours. The guest, State Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, is flanked by Minister for public accounts Amélie de Montchalin. She stressed the interdependence between economy and politics. "While economy is essential to (New Caledonia's) success, a political agreement is also essential to the economy's rebound", she said. Business leaders in the French Pacific territory have consistently stressed the need for "visibility", security and stability if New Caledonia was to remain attractive to existing and potential investors. The meeting also involves politicians as well as Mayors of New Caledonia and socio-economic and civil society stakeholders. Business leaders association MEDEF-NC leader Mimsy Daly hailed the approach, but said now was the time to "take into account New Caledonians' suffering on a daily basis." "We hope something positive will come out of this quickly."
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Macron, Top Leaders Open New Caledonia's Summit In Paris
, Correspondent French Pacific Desk French President Emmanuel Macron and France's top leaders have on Wednesday welcomed a strong delegation from New Caledonia to officially open a set of several summits dedicated to the French Pacific territory. A delegation from political leaders as well as representatives from New Caledonia's economic and civil society have converged to Paris over the past few days, responding to Macron's invitation for what he termed a "summit". The summit will be made up of several formats: the political one will be held at a luxury hotel in the city of Bougival (West of Paris), behind closed doors with no limitation in time until an agreement on New Caledonia's political future status is found and agreed upon by both pro-independence and pro-France parties. Political talks, sometimes dubbed the "last chance" meeting, were already underway in Bougival on Wednesday evening (Paris time), as soon as the official reception ended. The reception involved most of France's top leaders, including the French Prime Minister François Bayrou, State Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls, both Presidents of the French National Assembly (Yaël Braun-Pivet) and the Senate (Gérard Larcher). During a traditional "custom" ceremony of exchange of gifts between the Paris group and the delegation from New Caledonia, Macron's chief of staff Patrice Faure (who is a former French High Commissioner in New Caledonia), in line with Kanak protocol, spoke on behalf of the French President and presented a pen, "a pen, that could be used, we hope, to sign at least a compromise, if not an agreement, in the days or weeks to come". "Here, just as in New Caledonia, there are people who suffer to see you going through all these sufferings", Faure told the visiting leaders, stressing the "indefectible links that unite us". He also recalled the social, economic consequence of the May 2024 riots that have left 14 dead and over two billion Euros in material damages. Macron's invitation was aiming at initiating "a dialogue that could guarantee a sustainable political, social and cultural equilibrium, adapted to New Caledonia's reality", "beyond antagonistic logic" and to "build a shared, balanced and lasting future". The political talks are initially scheduled to last until this weekend, but are open-ended and could be extended if deemed necessary. The Paris talks follow a series of roundtables during most of the first quarter of 2025, in Paris and in Nouméa, under the auspices of French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls. Valls managed to bring back all political parties around the same table, something that had not happened since 2022. But the last series of meetings, dubbed a political "conclave" stalled early May 2025 after two of the largest pro-France parties, Rassemblement-LR and Les Loyalistes, refused to endorse Valls's project, which was proposing a transfer of French key powers, a dual French-Caledonian citizenship, in what pro-France parties perceived as a form of independence. Anti-independence parties maintain that following three referendums held between 2018 and 2021, the suggestion of an independent New Caledonia has been rejected three times and that, therefore, this democratic expression should be respected. The last referendum in December 2021 was largely boycotted by the pro-independence movement. Since the latest talks stalled, early May 2025, pro-France parties have been critical of the latest Valls proposal and have been lobbying with their mainland France (mostly right-wing) associates. They also are adamant that offering a form of independence-association to the pro-independence side would be a way of surrendering to the 2024 insurrectional violence that marked the riots. French national politics steps in Last week, Bruno Retailleau, French Minister for Home Affairs and newly-elected President of the right-wing Les Républicains (LR) party (one of the prominent parties represented at the Lower House -National Assembly-) appointed New Caledonia's President Alcide Ponga one of his "special advisors". The LR party also threatened several times that if a political agreement on New Caledonia was written and approved outside France, Retailleau and his party would withdraw its support to Macron. "Bruno Retailleau, who is the Minister for Home Affairs, was very clear on this. If tomorrow, the government as a whole was to support an independence line on New Caledonia, it is absolutely obvious that we would leave the government without delay", LR Vice-President François-Xavier Bellamy (who recently visited New Caledonia) told local media. Mixed reactions and sometimes reservations Macron's new approach is however triggering mixed reactions and sometimes reservations from New Caledonia's political parties, who mostly remain in the dark as to the French President's proposal details. The pro-France side believes that a "new approach" from Macron appears to address the issues they are defending, but they are still seeking clarifications from Paris. "What does France want for New Caledonia?", National Assembly MP Nicolas Metzdorf has been asking several times, including during question time in Parliament. He told French media earlier this week he was looking for "an agreement, not a compromise". Metzdorf and his associates are supporting another proposal of an "asymmetrical internal federalism" which purports to grant more autonomy (including in terms of tax revenue collection) for each of the three provinces in New Caledonia. This, they said, would provide for each province (Northern, Loyalty Islands and Southern provinces) to develop at their own respective paces, bearing in mind that the Southern province is the richest of all three, with the bulk of New Caledonia's population and the other two are mostly rural and population by the Kanak indigenous community. On the pro-independence side, which consists of the FLNKS (Kanak Socialists National Liberation Front), dominated by prominent Union Calédonienne party, but also the more moderate PALIKA (Kanak Liberation Party) and UPM (Progressist Union in Melanesia), the official stance is that they will take the Valls "sovereignty with France" project as the only basis for talks to resume and that they will not settle for anything less. "It won't take long to find out (if the Macron proposal) lasts", UC and FLNKS delegation leader Emmanuel Tjibaou said earlier this week. Tjibaou said his delegation "does not have the mandate to discuss any other proposal". Other "middle" moderate parties, Wallisian-based Eveil Océanien and pro-France Calédonie Ensemble, also tend to support France's latest proposal, but with nuances as per their own respective draft proposals. During a recent interview on Tuesday with French media BFMTV, Valls maintained he remained optimistic as to the outcome of the Bougival talks. "There's no other choice, we have to find a solution. It's complicated because we have to reconcile two contradictory aspirations: for New Caledonia to remain part of France and an aspiration to a full independence". "But I am still hopeful. Our dialogue is not ruptured", he said. "I believe an agreement is possible, because everyone is aware that the situation is extremely fragile and perilous and that without an agreement, it is impossible to rebuild New Caledonia, economically and socially (...) With the germs of a social explosion". "Links with France will always be there, no matter what", he assured. A separate socio-economic summit Separate from the strictly political talks, another "economic and social summit" later this week will bring together New Caledonia's economic, social and civil society stakeholders, as well as mayors, in order to address the consequences of the May 2024 riots. It takes place in another hotel near Paris, focusing on four key themes: public finance, structural reforms, economic diversification, a new society project and the crucial nickel mining sector industry.
