France’s new Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced today a year-long postponement of the provincial elections scheduled for December in New Caledonia, a move that comes amidst escalating tensions in the restive French Pacific territory, The Associated Press reports.
Barnier, speaking during his inaugural address to parliament, also confirmed that the controversial bill proposed by President Emmanuel Macron to amend the constitution and change the territory’s voting lists would not be forwarded for ratification. This bill had sparked widespread protests from the Indigenous Kanak people who feared it would favor recent arrivals to the Pacific archipelago, potentially undermining their political influence.
Tensions in New Caledonia have been simmering for decades between white settler communities loyal to Paris and pro-independence Kanaks. The adoption of the voter list bill in May by both houses of the French parliament ignited mass demonstrations by pro-independence groups, leading to violent clashes. This prompted Macron to declare a state of emergency and deploy thousands of police and army reinforcements to the territory.
The unrest has resulted in a tragic toll, with 13 people, mostly Kanaks, and two police officers killed. Nearly 3,000 individuals have been arrested since New Caledonia’s police launched an investigation in May.
“I am aware of the suffering and anguish felt by the people of New Caledonia and I want to reiterate that the state and my government will be at their side,” Barnier said.
He announced plans to convene a government committee on France’s overseas territories early next year, prioritizing the addressing of economic concerns in these regions. This announcement comes amidst escalating unrest in other French territories, such as Martinique, where violent protests have also erupted over the cost of living.
