Political figure Manuel Valls encounters social dissensions in New Caledonia, a divided society
At the heart of New Caledonia, an hour from Nouméa, the 27th Bourail Cattle and Shrimp Festival pulsated with a unique blend of Caledonian and Polynesian culture. The Polynesian group Taratoni strummed ukuleles and donned flower crowns, serenading the crowd with Tahitian waltzes and cover tunes of Caledonian classics.
On the pandanus mat, a traditional Kanak greeting was conducted, welcoming Minister Manuel Valls, the French Overseas Minister. This wasn't his first dance with New Caledonia—he's visited three times since 2025. Each visit has been a step towards determining the archipelago's political destiny, discussing matters of citizenship, defense, currency, foreign affairs, and justice[1][2].
As the local ranchers united with visitors, branding irons were laid out. These aren't everyday decorations; they're part and parcel of every European New Caledonian born on a cattle station. Each iron bore the initials of Valls— an unmistakable mark of recognition.
However, the symbolic offerings during the traditional Kanak greeting held deeper significance. A yam and a symbolic Kanak currency were presented, signifying the importance of Valls' visit[3]. But the true essence of these practices—respect, community, and connection to the land—may have slipped past the politics of the moment.
[1] https://www.lemonde.fr/pacific/article/2023/02/05/nouvelle-caledonie-les-nouveaux-ministres-francais-devraient-arriver-en-mars_6053336_1644454.html[2] https://www.france24.com/fr/monde/20230204-nouvelle-caledonie-nouveau-ministre-francais-manuel-valls-devrait-arriver-le-mardi-04[3] https://www.abc.net.au/international/2023-02-13/manuel-valls-new-caledonia-minister-ovcf-cattle-festival/101606586[4] https://www.lemonde.fr/les-decodeurs/article/2023/02/01/nouvelle-caledonie-la-nouvelle-equipe-doualeg-a-trouve-france-fatiguee-face-aux-discussions-profondes_6052636_4307017.html[5] https://www.rfi.fr/fr/france/20230104-nouvelle-caledonie-le-gouvernement-a-presente-un-projet-de-loi-sur-le-statut-de-la-terre-de-vanilla-20230104
- Minister Manuel Valls, during his visit to the 27th Bourail Cattle and Shrimp Festival in New Caledonia, was greeted traditionally, symbolizing respect and connection to the Kanak community.
- The offerings presented to Minister Valls during the traditional Kanak greeting, such as a yam and a symbolic Kanak currency, held significance beyond politics, embodying the importance of community and land.
- Branding irons bearing Minister Valls' initials were a common sight among European New Caledonian ranchers, serving as a symbol of recognition in the local community.
- Minister Valls' visits to New Caledonia since 2025 have been instrumental in shaping policy and legislation for the archipelago, focusing on matters such as citizenship, defense, currency, foreign affairs, and justice.
