New Caledonia Set to Become Autonomous State Within France

In a significant development for New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the South Pacific, an agreement has been reached to establish the region as an autonomous state while maintaining its affiliation with France. This decision comes one year after a period of severe unrest that shook the territory.

On Saturday, representatives from the French government and various political factions within New Caledonia convened in Bougival, near Paris, to sign a landmark accord. The agreement was hailed as a historic milestone by the involved parties, including French President Emmanuel Macron.

Under the terms of the agreement, New Caledonia will be recognized as its own state, yet it will continue to be part of the French Republic. Macron emphasized that this new arrangement represents a commitment to trust between New Caledonia and France, marking a pivotal moment in the territory's ongoing relationship with the mainland.

The unrest in May of the previous year had been sparked by proposed electoral reforms that aimed to allow mainland French citizens residing in New Caledonia to participate in elections sooner than prior regulations permitted. This proposal raised concerns among the Kanak people, who comprise over 40 percent of the territory's population, fearing it would diminish their political influence.

In response to the unrest, Macron initiated negotiations that brought together various political factions advocating for either independence or continued association with France. After ten days of discussions, the parties announced the signing of the agreement, which aims to provide New Caledonia with greater autonomy.

Manuel Valls, the Minister for Overseas Territories, characterized the agreement as an intelligent compromise that preserves the ties between New Caledonia and France while granting the territory more self-governance. Prime Minister François Bayrou described the accord as one of historical importance.

The agreement stipulates that New Caledonia will be enshrined in the French Constitution as a distinct state and will also gain international recognition. Furthermore, provisions will allow for the establishment of a New Caledonian citizenship alongside the option to retain French citizenship. The deal also includes the promise of a financial and economic reconstruction pact to support the territory's development.

Before the agreement can be fully enacted, it must receive approval from the French Parliament, with a session scheduled for later this year. Following this, a referendum is planned for 2026, allowing the people of New Caledonia to voice their opinion on the new status.