An accord between France and New Caledonia, creating a state within a state and hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as "historic", hit immediate fierce criticism in the Pacific territory on Sunday.
Issued on: 13/07/2025 -
RFI
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, President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher and Private secretary of the French President Patrice Faure attend a session of a summit on New Caledonia at the Elysee Palace in Paris on July 2, 2025. AFP - LUDOVIC MARIN
Following deadly protests that rocked New Caledonia last year, Macron called for talks to break a deadlock between forces loyal to France and those seeking independence.
After 10 days of negotiations near Paris, French officials and a delegation of 18 New Caledonian pro-independence and anti-independence representatives reached agreement on Saturday to create a "State of New Caledonia" within the French Republic.
The text, which still requires French parliamentary approval and to pass a referendum in the territory, provides for the creation of a Caledonian nationality and the sharing of powers.
But it won few supporters in the archipelago.
The signatories of the draft agreement admitted during a meeting with Macron on Saturday evening that they were struggling to win over opponents of the deal that will be submitted to a referendum in February 2026.
New Caledonia’s political leaders sign historic agreement to shape territory’s future
Joel Kasarerhou, president of civil society group Construire Autrement (Build Differently), called the agreement "stillborn", describing it as a "poor" replica of previous agreements and "lacking ambition and vision".
Kasarerhou said the youth at the heart of the May 2024 uprising had been "forgotten or barely mentioned". He feared another "May 13" -- the date the 2024 riots began.
Crossing a 'red line'
Home to around 270,000 people and located nearly 17,000 kilometres (10,500 miles) from Paris, New Caledonia is one of several overseas territories that remain an integral part of France.
It has been ruled from Paris since the 1800s but many indigenous Kanaks resent France's power over the islands and want more autonomy or independence.
Could nickel reserves be the key to independence for New Caledonia?
Unrest broke out in May 2024 after Paris planned to give voting rights to thousands of non-indigenous long-term residents. Kanaks feared this would watere down their influence, crushing any chance of securing independence.
Philippe Blaise, the pro-France first vice-president of Southern Province government, distanced himself from the accord, saying on social media he had discovered the contents of the agreement "like all Caledonians" after it was signed.
Following deadly protests that rocked New Caledonia last year, Macron called for talks to break a deadlock between forces loyal to France and those seeking independence.
After 10 days of negotiations near Paris, French officials and a delegation of 18 New Caledonian pro-independence and anti-independence representatives reached agreement on Saturday to create a "State of New Caledonia" within the French Republic.
The text, which still requires French parliamentary approval and to pass a referendum in the territory, provides for the creation of a Caledonian nationality and the sharing of powers.
But it won few supporters in the archipelago.
The signatories of the draft agreement admitted during a meeting with Macron on Saturday evening that they were struggling to win over opponents of the deal that will be submitted to a referendum in February 2026.
New Caledonia’s political leaders sign historic agreement to shape territory’s future
Joel Kasarerhou, president of civil society group Construire Autrement (Build Differently), called the agreement "stillborn", describing it as a "poor" replica of previous agreements and "lacking ambition and vision".
Kasarerhou said the youth at the heart of the May 2024 uprising had been "forgotten or barely mentioned". He feared another "May 13" -- the date the 2024 riots began.
Crossing a 'red line'
Home to around 270,000 people and located nearly 17,000 kilometres (10,500 miles) from Paris, New Caledonia is one of several overseas territories that remain an integral part of France.
It has been ruled from Paris since the 1800s but many indigenous Kanaks resent France's power over the islands and want more autonomy or independence.
Could nickel reserves be the key to independence for New Caledonia?
Unrest broke out in May 2024 after Paris planned to give voting rights to thousands of non-indigenous long-term residents. Kanaks feared this would watere down their influence, crushing any chance of securing independence.
Philippe Blaise, the pro-France first vice-president of Southern Province government, distanced himself from the accord, saying on social media he had discovered the contents of the agreement "like all Caledonians" after it was signed.
Manuel Valls shakes hands with Alcide Ponga at a military honours ceremony in Noumea, New Caledonia, on 22 February. AFP - DELPHINE MAYEUR
Blaise said the text "crossed a red line" with the recognition of a "Caledonian state" and a "distinct nationality" -- incompatible, in his view, with French unity.
'Betrayal'
Several pro-independence figures said the accord was signed without a clear mandate from their base.
Several social media posts by pro-independence activists condemned their representatives' signing of the deal.
Brenda Wanabo-Ipeze, a leader of the pro-independence group CCAT, currently incarcerated in France, said: "This text was signed without us. It does not bind us."
Melanie Atapo, president of the pro-independence USTKE union, which represents Kanak people, told AFP she was "surprised" by the agreement and that the signatories should "come back to share with the bases before signing".
Another pro-independence leader with links to the pro-independence FLNKS party, speaking on condition of anonymity, called it a "betrayal", saying pro-independence negotiators have "given in on essential points" without militant approval.
(With newswires)
Blaise said the text "crossed a red line" with the recognition of a "Caledonian state" and a "distinct nationality" -- incompatible, in his view, with French unity.
'Betrayal'
Several pro-independence figures said the accord was signed without a clear mandate from their base.
Several social media posts by pro-independence activists condemned their representatives' signing of the deal.
Brenda Wanabo-Ipeze, a leader of the pro-independence group CCAT, currently incarcerated in France, said: "This text was signed without us. It does not bind us."
Melanie Atapo, president of the pro-independence USTKE union, which represents Kanak people, told AFP she was "surprised" by the agreement and that the signatories should "come back to share with the bases before signing".
Another pro-independence leader with links to the pro-independence FLNKS party, speaking on condition of anonymity, called it a "betrayal", saying pro-independence negotiators have "given in on essential points" without militant approval.
(With newswires)
New Caledonia’s political leaders sign historic agreement to shape territory’s future
New Caledonia’s political leaders have signed what is being described as a “historic” agreement near Paris, outlining a new institutional future for the territory. The deal, reached after ten days of negotiations, establishes an “État de Nouvelle-Calédonie” (State of New Caledonia) to be enshrined in the French Constitution, and introduces Caledonian nationality alongside French citizenship.
Issued on: 12/07/2025 - RFI
Both pro- and anti-independence groups have welcomed the accord as a turning point. Loyalist parties have praised it for ushering in “a new era of stability” and respecting the results of three previous independence referendums, while pro-independence leaders highlight the recognition of Caledonian nationality and the promise of increased economic support, particularly for the vital nickel industry.
P
New Caledonia’s political leaders have signed what is being described as a “historic” agreement near Paris, outlining a new institutional future for the territory. The deal, reached after ten days of negotiations, establishes an “État de Nouvelle-Calédonie” (State of New Caledonia) to be enshrined in the French Constitution, and introduces Caledonian nationality alongside French citizenship.
Issued on: 12/07/2025 - RFI
LFrance's President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with officials as he attends a summit on New Caledonia at the Elysee Palace in Paris on July 2, 2025. © Ludovic Marin / Reuters
The agreement still requires local ratification but represents a significant step forward after years of tension, including deadly riots in 2024 over electoral reforms.
Under the new terms, the local electoral roll will be opened to residents who have lived in New Caledonia for at least ten years, starting with the 2031 provincial elections — a key demand following previous restrictions that sparked unrest.
The agreement still requires local ratification but represents a significant step forward after years of tension, including deadly riots in 2024 over electoral reforms.
Under the new terms, the local electoral roll will be opened to residents who have lived in New Caledonia for at least ten years, starting with the 2031 provincial elections — a key demand following previous restrictions that sparked unrest.
Both pro- and anti-independence groups have welcomed the accord as a turning point. Loyalist parties have praised it for ushering in “a new era of stability” and respecting the results of three previous independence referendums, while pro-independence leaders highlight the recognition of Caledonian nationality and the promise of increased economic support, particularly for the vital nickel industry.
Protesters wave flags of the Socialist Kanak National Liberation Front (FLNKS) during a demonstration in New Caledonia, in Noumea, on April 13, 2024. © AFP - THEO ROUBY
The French Parliament is expected to convene in Versailles later this year to constitutionalise the agreement, with a local referendum planned for February 2026 and crucial provincial elections scheduled for mid-2026.
Leaders on all sides say the deal offers renewed hope for dialogue, economic recovery, and a more stable future for New Caledonia.
(With newswires)
The French Parliament is expected to convene in Versailles later this year to constitutionalise the agreement, with a local referendum planned for February 2026 and crucial provincial elections scheduled for mid-2026.
Leaders on all sides say the deal offers renewed hope for dialogue, economic recovery, and a more stable future for New Caledonia.
(With newswires)
France announces ‘historic’ deal creating New Caledonia state that stays French
France and New Caledonia on Saturday announced a "historic" accord in which the overseas territory would remain French, but be declared a new state. The 13-page agreement announced Saturday calls for a New Caledonian nationality, and the possibility for residents there to combine that status with the French nationality.
Issued on: 12/07/2025 -
By: FRANCE 24
Unrest broke out in May 2024 after Paris planned to give voting rights to thousands of non-indigenous long-term residents, something Kanaks feared would leave them in a permanent minority, crushing their chances of winning independence.
As part of the agreement, New Caledonia residents will in future only be allowed to vote after 10 years of living on the archipelago.
The last independence referendum in New Caledonia was held in 2021, and was boycotted by pro-independence groups over the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Kanak population.
The referendum was the last of three since 2018, all of which rejected New Caledonian independence.
Since the 2021 referendum the political situation in the archipelago has been in deadlock
France and New Caledonia on Saturday announced a "historic" accord in which the overseas territory would remain French, but be declared a new state. The 13-page agreement announced Saturday calls for a New Caledonian nationality, and the possibility for residents there to combine that status with the French nationality.
Issued on: 12/07/2025 -
By: FRANCE 24
French President Emmanuel Macron, French PM François Bayrou and senior officials at the opening ceremony of a summit on New Caledonia in Paris on July 2, 2025.
© Ludovic Marin, AFP
France on Saturday announced a "historic" accord with New Caledonia in which the overseas territory, rocked by deadly separatist violence last year, would remain French but be declared a new state.
President Emmanuel Macron had called for talks to break a deadlock between forces loyal to France and those wanting independence, asking New Caledonian elected officials, as well as political, economic and civil society leaders to gather near Paris to hammer out a constitutional framework for the territory.
After 10 days of talks, the parties agreed that a "State of New Caledonia" should be created.
The archipelago is to retain "a status within France, with Caledonians who will remain French", said Nicolas Metzdorf, an anti-independence deputy.
"No more referendums are planned, with the exception of the one confirming this agreement," he said in a message sent to AFP.
France on Saturday announced a "historic" accord with New Caledonia in which the overseas territory, rocked by deadly separatist violence last year, would remain French but be declared a new state.
President Emmanuel Macron had called for talks to break a deadlock between forces loyal to France and those wanting independence, asking New Caledonian elected officials, as well as political, economic and civil society leaders to gather near Paris to hammer out a constitutional framework for the territory.
After 10 days of talks, the parties agreed that a "State of New Caledonia" should be created.
The archipelago is to retain "a status within France, with Caledonians who will remain French", said Nicolas Metzdorf, an anti-independence deputy.
"No more referendums are planned, with the exception of the one confirming this agreement," he said in a message sent to AFP.
The archipelago's Kanak population has pushed for increased autonomy, or independence from France. © Theo Rouby, AFP
The priority now was New Caledonia's economic recovery after last year's violence that killed 14 and is estimated to have cost the territory two billion euros ($2.3 billion), shaving 10 percent off its gross domestic product (GDP), he said.
Prime Minister François Bayrou said Saturday's deal -- which still requires parliamentary and referendum approval -- was of "historic dimensions".
Home to around 270,000 people and located nearly 17,000 kilometres (10,600 miles) from Paris, New Caledonia is one of several overseas territories that remain an integral part of France.
It has been ruled from Paris since the 1800s, but many indigenous Kanaks still resent France's power over their islands and want fuller autonomy or independence.
The priority now was New Caledonia's economic recovery after last year's violence that killed 14 and is estimated to have cost the territory two billion euros ($2.3 billion), shaving 10 percent off its gross domestic product (GDP), he said.
Prime Minister François Bayrou said Saturday's deal -- which still requires parliamentary and referendum approval -- was of "historic dimensions".
Home to around 270,000 people and located nearly 17,000 kilometres (10,600 miles) from Paris, New Caledonia is one of several overseas territories that remain an integral part of France.
It has been ruled from Paris since the 1800s, but many indigenous Kanaks still resent France's power over their islands and want fuller autonomy or independence.
© France 24
06:05
06:05
Unrest broke out in May 2024 after Paris planned to give voting rights to thousands of non-indigenous long-term residents, something Kanaks feared would leave them in a permanent minority, crushing their chances of winning independence.
As part of the agreement, New Caledonia residents will in future only be allowed to vote after 10 years of living on the archipelago.
The last independence referendum in New Caledonia was held in 2021, and was boycotted by pro-independence groups over the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Kanak population.
The referendum was the last of three since 2018, all of which rejected New Caledonian independence.
Since the 2021 referendum the political situation in the archipelago has been in deadlock
.
New Caledonia could gets its own nationality
© Sebastien Bozon, AFP
Macron declared in early June he wanted a "new project" for New Caledonia.
The 13-page agreement announced Saturday calls for a New Caledonian nationality, and the possibility for residents there to combine that status with the French nationality.
According to the deal, a "State of New Caledonia" will be enshrined in France's constitution, and other countries could recognise such a state.
The deal also calls for an economic and financial recovery pact that would include a renewal of the territory's nickel processing capabilities.
Both chambers of France's parliament are to meet in the fourth quarter of this year to approve the deal, which is then to be submitted to New Caledonians in a referendum in 2026.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Macron declared in early June he wanted a "new project" for New Caledonia.
The 13-page agreement announced Saturday calls for a New Caledonian nationality, and the possibility for residents there to combine that status with the French nationality.
According to the deal, a "State of New Caledonia" will be enshrined in France's constitution, and other countries could recognise such a state.
The deal also calls for an economic and financial recovery pact that would include a renewal of the territory's nickel processing capabilities.
Both chambers of France's parliament are to meet in the fourth quarter of this year to approve the deal, which is then to be submitted to New Caledonians in a referendum in 2026.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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