NCaledonia Politicians Vote Statehood, Staying French

Historic Accord Declares New Caledonia a New State within France

Key Provisions of the Agreement

• Creation of a “State of New Caledonia” enshrined in France’s constitution.
• Retention of “a status within France” for all residents who will remain French citizens.
• No additional referendums planned except the one confirming this accord.
• Economic Recovery Pact aimed at revitalising nickel processing and other sectors.
• New Caledonian nationality introduced, allowing dual French-New Caledonian status.

Impact on Independence Referenda

• Last independence vote in 2021 boycotted by pro‑independence groups over Covid‑19 effects.
• Three referenda since 2018 all rejected independence.
• Current accord seeks to halt further votes, focusing on economic and political stability.

Road to Constitutional Recognition

• Both chambers of France’s parliament scheduled to meet in the fourth quarter of the year to approve the deal.
• Pending approval, the accord will be submitted to New Caledonians in a referendum set for 2026.
• The agreement also opens the possibility for other countries to recognise the “State of New Caledonia.”

Election and Voting Reforms

• New Caledonia residents will only be allowed to vote after ten years of residency, addressing Kanak concerns about minority status.
• Paris’s earlier plan to grant rights to non‑indigenous long‑term residents has been amended to safeguard indigenous electoral influence.

President Macron’s Vision for a “New Project”

• Macron called for talks to break the deadlock between French loyalists and independence supporters.
• He envisioned a “new project” to provide a constitutional framework and a pathway to economic revival.
• The 13‑page agreement reflects this vision, offering a practice of dual citizenship and a broadened economic scope.

Geographical Context and Historical Background

• New Caledonia, located 17,000 kilometres from Paris, has been under French rule since the 1800s.
• While the archipelago remains an integral part of France, many indigenous Kanaks continue to seek greater autonomy or full independence.
• Recent violence in 2023 killed 14 people and cost the territory two billion euros, shaving 10 % off its GDP.