On July 12, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he had reached a historic agreement on the institutional structure of the overseas territory of New Caledonia, marking an important step in the establishment of a new state within the French Republic.
According to the agreement, New Caledonia's legal status will be adjusted and included in the French constitution. However, this territory will not gain independence, but continue to belong to France.
President Macron confirmed: After more than 10 days of discussion, New Caledonia delegates and State representatives have reached a historic agreement. A state of New Caledonia right in the French Republic.
French media said that this new entities could be recognized by the international community. The deal also aims to establish a two-state system - France and New Caledonia, and expand voting rights to people there. However, to come into effect, the deal would need to be approved by the French National Assembly due to its constitutional concerns and would be submitted to a November poll in New Caledonia.
New Caledonia, a Pacific territory with a population of about 270,000, was in a state of serious instability in mid-May last year. The reason is that Paris's plan to apply new election regulations, which allow French residents who have resided in New Caledonia for at least 10 years to have the right to vote in provincial elections.
Many local leaders, especially from the indigenous children's community, accounting for about 41% of the population, have opposed the new regulation because they are concerned that the new regulation could reduce the impact of the indigenous people's votes. As a result, violence broke out, killing at least 14 people, injuring hundreds and causing an estimated $1.17 billion in economic losses.
To deal with the situation, the French government has sent more than 3,000 soldiers and police to New Caledonia. On June 11, 2024, the government announced a suspension of the election reform plan, after President Macron decided to dissolve the National Assembly to hold early elections.
