New Caledonia becomes a state but remains part of France

One year after the serious unrest in New Caledonia, representatives of France and the overseas territory's political camps have concluded an agreement. The document, signed in Bougival, west of Paris, stipulates that New Caledonia will be recognized as an independent state, while remaining within the French Republic. Both French President Emmanuel Macron and New Caledonian politicians described the agreement as "historic."

"A New Caledonian state within the Republic: This is a bet on trust," Macron declared when announcing the agreement. The agreement opens a "new chapter" in relations between France and the Pacific archipelago, the president further emphasized.

Violence, mistrust and a long road to agreement

The compromise followed a period of great political tension. In May 2024, massive unrest broke out in New Caledonia, killing 14 people . The trigger was a planned electoral reform that would have allowed mainland French citizens to participate in local elections more quickly than before. The indigenous Kanak people, who make up over 40 percent of the population, in particular, saw this as a threat to their political influence.

Macron responded with a proposal for new negotiations. Representatives from all political camps, including supporters of full independence and those in favor of remaining part of France, participated. Ten days of intense discussions took place near Paris.

Agreement with far-reaching consequences

The 13-page agreement stipulates that New Caledonia will be enshrined in the French constitution as an independent state and will receive international recognition. New Caledonian nationality will be granted, while French nationality can be retained. An economic and financial reconstruction pact is also part of the plan.

"This agreement will help us escape the spiral of violence," said Emmanuel Tjibaou, a Kanak MP who participated in the negotiations. He spoke of a "difficult path" that, however, allows for a shared future.

The other side also praised the compromise. Nicolas Metzdorf, a representative of the pro-French side, called the agreement the result of a "demanding dialogue." He described the introduction of a New Caledonian nationality as a "genuine concession."

A special congress will now determine the next steps. According to excerpts published by New Caledonia's public broadcaster, these could include, among other things, greater autonomy in foreign policy, security, and justice. In the long term, New Caledonia could also adopt its own name, a new flag, and its own anthem.

Economic prospects also play a central role in the agreement. The New Caledonian economy is heavily dependent on nickel mining and suffers from structural problems and high levels of debt. The goal is to diversify and reduce economic dependence on mainland France.

Another referendum for New Caledonia

The agreement still needs to be approved by the French Parliament. A joint session of both chambers is planned for this year. A referendum in New Caledonia, in which the population will decide on its implementation, is expected to follow in February 2026.

France colonized New Caledonia in the 1850s. After World War II , it became a French overseas territory, and in 1957, all Kanaks received French citizenship. In recent decades, the political future of the archipelago has been voted on several times, with three referendums and two prior agreements .

pgr/wa (afp, ap)