France unable to reach agreement on New Caledonia's future following three-day conference
Rewritten Article:
Political Impasse Continues in New Caledonia
In a disappointing turn of events, Overseas Minister Manuel Valls disclosed on Thursday that recent talks aimed at defining New Caledonia's political future had failed to produce any resolution [1]. Held at a secluded hotel away from the capital Nouméa, these discussions were doomed from the start, with no white smoke signaling an agreement.
The archipelago has been stuck in a political quagmire since the last referendum in 2021, which was skipped by the pro-independence group, leaving the self-determination process in limbo [1][2]. Over the past few days, two proposals were tabled for consideration – one favored by Paris, advocating continued sovereignty with France, and another championed by the anti-independence Loyalists, proposing a federal system within the French Republic [1].
Both plans were met with resistance from both sides. Valls criticized the Loyalists' proposal, stating that it "threatens the unity and integrity of New Caledonia" by suggesting a de facto partition plan [1].
The deadlock has halted progress on critical issues – most notably the makeup of the electoral roll. This debate was a significant factor in triggering violent riots in May 2024, resulting in 14 deaths and billions of euros in damage [2].
Historically, the electoral roll has excluded most immigrants settling in New Caledonia after November 1998 – the date of the Nouméa Accords between the French state and the territory [2]. Many Indigenous Kanaks oppose changing this rule, arguing it weakens their fight for self-determination.
Key Milestones in New Caledonia's History
Dodging a Disaster
Talks to determine New Caledonia's political future resumed in early 2025. This marked Valls' third visit to the territory this year, and the first joint meeting between both parties in months [1]. The French government's proposal included dual citizenship – French by right and New Caledonian – and immediate transfer of sovereign powers. However, pro-independence groups viewed this as a backdoor recognition of New Caledonia's independence [1].
"The transfer of sovereign powers to New Caledonia was the key issue of contention," said Loyalist MP Nicolas Metzdorf [1]. "We remain steadfast in advocating for a federated state with enhanced powers for the provinces."
Loyalist leader Sonia Backès claimed she had "averted a disaster for New Caledonia," insisting that the lack of an agreement was not chaos [1].
France Warns: Chaos if New Caledonia Independence Deal Not Reached
The Countdown to Provincial Elections
New Caledonia is scheduled to hold crucial provincial elections that will shape its future local government. Originally slated for 2024, the elections were postponed due to the unrest in 2023 [1]. They must now occur no later than 30 November 2025, following a ruling by France's Council of State [1].
Since 2007, the electoral roll has excluded the majority of immigrants settling in New Caledonia after November 1998 [1]. Pro-independence groups, notably the FLNKS, staunchly oppose changing this rule, fearing it will weaken their struggle for self-determination [1].
Despite the impasse, Valls expressed a positive outlook, highlighting the respectful debate and emergence of points of convergence. He reaffirmed his commitment to preventing a return to violence and encouraged all sides to engage in dialogue and cooperation for peace, reconciliation, and the reconstruction of New Caledonia.
- The political impasse in New Caledonia continues, as discussions on defining its future politics have ended in deadlock.
- France and New Caledonia have proposed contrasting solutions for the region's political future, with the former advocating for continued sovereignty and the latter pushing for a federal system.
- These plans have faced resistance from both sides, with Valls criticizing the federal plan as a threat to New Caledonia's unity.
- The deadlock has hindered progress on critical issues such as the makeup of the electoral roll, a dispute which led to violent riots in 2024.
- Historically, the electoral roll has excluded most immigrants settling in New Caledonia after 1998, a rule many Indigenous Kanaks oppose as it weakens their fight for self-determination.
- In 2025, talks to determine New Caledonia's political future resumed, with the French government proposing dual citizenship and immediate transfer of sovereignty.
- Pro-independence groups viewed this as a backdoor recognition of New Caledonia's independence, which was a key point of contention.
- As New Caledonia moves towards planned provincial elections in 2025, the debate over the electoral roll and the region's political future continues, with both sides maintaining their opposing views.
