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Riots in New Caledonia: Emmanuel Macron promises a vote to end the crisis
Riots in New Caledonia: Emmanuel Macron promises a vote to end the crisis
(France 2)
Visiting New Caledonia on Thursday May 23, Emmanuel Macron made a series of announcements to ease the crisis. From Nouméa, the president gave separatists and loyalists several weeks to negotiate a global agreement, which would then be put to a vote.
The presidential visit was quick. Emmanuel Macron spent 18 hours in New Caledonia on Thursday, May 23, to ease tensions and renew dialogue. All day, the president met with elected officials from the archipelago, including the leaders of the independence movement, at the origin of the protest movement. On the reform of the Electoral Code, at the heart of the tensions, the Head of State finally sets a new road map. “I am committed to ensuring that this reform will not be implemented in force today in the current context”did he declare.
The president also promised a new deal, provided the roadblocks are removed. The text, negotiated between the State and all parties, will be submitted to a vote by Caledonians. An announcement which could make it possible to delay the reform of the Electoral Code. “We are reassured to see that there is no abandonment of this reform, no suspension, no postponement”, assures Sonia Backès, president (Renaissance) of the Southern province of New Caledonia. During the negotiations on the dams, some demonstrators demanded a total abandonment of the text.
