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Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Rival political movements debating the future of New Caledonia announced an agreement on Saturday morning to create a new state, but not fully independent from France.
Pro- and anti-independence factions in the French territory ended talks in Bougival, on the outskirts of Paris, with a compromise that would grant New Caledonia new autonomy, potentially giving the territory a chance to move forward from last year's violent unrest.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou called it “an agreement of historic importance” in a post on X. He welcomed the agreement for a “unique organization” of a new state of New Caledonia within the “national framework” of France and sanctioned in the French constitution.
Residents of the Pacific archipelago and former French penal colony have long been divided over their future. French descendants want Paris to retain power, while the indigenous Kanak people seek self-determination.
In May last year, riots erupted after the French parliament proposed a change to the electoral role that would weaken the political power of the pro-independence movement.
Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes reported that the agreement allowed for the creation of a New Caledonian nationality, which meant that islanders could become dual citizens, as well as the transfer of competence for international relations to New Caledonia.
The agreement now faces a referendum in New Caledonia and a vote in the French parliament.
In a statement, loyalist French groups noted that the agreement included "surrenders from all sides." They said it would create "a New Caledonian nationality inseparable from French nationality."
The agreement also includes commitments from France to help with economic development, particularly in the country's strategically important nickel sector, the loyalists noted.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said the agreement would give New Caledonia "enhanced powers, an unfrozen electorate and possible international recognition."
Sonia Backes, the leader of the Southern Province of New Caledonia, which is a loyalist majority, said: “This New Caledonian nationality does not take anything away from us: neither from our belonging to the Republic, nor from our French nationality.”
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