The consequences in New Caledonia following the FLNKS's rejection of the Bougainville accord
In a historic yet contentious move, France and New Caledonia's main political forces signed the Bougival Agreement in July 2025, establishing a unique constitutional status for the archipelago. However, the agreement now faces significant opposition, particularly from the pro-independence coalition FLNKS, who have formally rejected it.
The Bougival Agreement outlines New Caledonia as a "State within the French Republic" with enhanced autonomy and a dual nationality system (French and Caledonian). France retains key powers such as defense, justice, security, and currency, but some competencies, including foreign relations, will progressively transfer to New Caledonia.
The FLNKS, however, has raised concerns about the accord. They argue for greater clarity and sovereignty, demanding a clear definition of New Caledonia’s sovereignty attributes within the new state framework, including genuine control over foreign relations and other sovereign powers.
Another point of contention is the accord’s provisions related to expanding the electoral roll, which the FLNKS sees as diluting the indigenous voting power that is crucial for their political aims. They plan to meet internally to debate the future of the accord, showing willingness to promote it among their ranks if changes meet their expectations and if the fundamental issues of sovereignty and political representation are addressed.
Non-independence supporters, on the other hand, hope that Manuel Valls' visit to the Caillou can unblock the situation. They aim to isolate the FLNKS to maintain the spirit of Bougival. The strategy of this group is to form an ad hoc committee, composed of loyalists and independence supporters favorable to the Bougival agreement, to deepen certain technical aspects of the accord.
The specter of new episodes of violence on the archipelago is raised by non-independence supporters. The last riots in New Caledonia were caused by a thaw in the electoral roll, with the aim of allowing more citizens to vote in local elections.
The Bougival Agreement also proposes the transfer of executive powers in New Caledonia of regulatory competencies such as currency, justice, and police. It also provides for the creation of a Caledonian nationality.
Despite the challenges, the continuation or full implementation of the Bougival Agreement depends on addressing FLNKS's demands for a clearer path to sovereignty and electoral fairness. The future of New Caledonia's political landscape remains uncertain as debates and opposition within the archipelago's politics continue.
- The Bougival Agreement's proposal for transferring executive powers in New Caledonia, including currency, justice, and police, has sparked political debates, with the pro-independence coalition FLNKS demanding greater sovereignty and control over these areas.
- The specter of social unrest and conflicts persists in New Caledonia, as the FLNKS raises concerns about the electoral roll provisions of the Bougival Agreement, fearing a dilution of indigenous voting power and insisting on electoral fairness and a clearer path to sovereignty.
