Despite the wave of violence in New Caledonia, the government’s constitutional reform continues on its path after a favorable vote by the National Assembly on Tuesday, May 14 in the evening. The vote focused on the entire text already adopted by the Senate. Towards the end of the day, the deputies adopted the first article, the core of the reform, which expands the electoral body specific to the provincial elections of New Caledonia to all citizens residing there for ten years. This move is contested by the independence movement, who fear a loss of electoral weight for the Kanak people. The debates progressed slowly on Tuesday, with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accusing the Left-wing France Insoumise party of parliamentary obstruction by defending amendments that sometimes only changed a word or an expression.
The Left wanted to push back the examination or withdraw the text, while the leaders of the National Rally and the Republicans pleaded with the majority for the vote not to be postponed. The Left called for the examination to be pushed back or the text to be withdrawn, citing the need for calm and a withdrawal of the constitutional law project. Prime Minister Olivier Marleix responded by emphasizing the importance of expanding the electoral body for democratic reasons and urged political leaders in New Caledonia to take this opportunity for dialogue.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Insoumise urged President Macron to acknowledge the new situation and withdraw the text, adding to the tension of the debate. President Macron proposed inviting all New Caledonian parties to Paris for a meeting with the government in an effort to reignite dialogue. He promised not to convene the Congress of Parliament right after a potential adoption of the text, to give one last chance to local discussions. The reform seeks to expand the electoral body for the provincial elections in New Caledonia, but is met with opposition from the independence movement, leading to intense violence in the region.
The reform has stirred up significant controversy in New Caledonia, with strong opposition from the independence movement. Violent incidents marred the night from Monday to Tuesday, with looting, arson, and clashes with law enforcement. A curfew was initiated in the vicinity of Nouméa, limiting movement and exacerbating tensions. Despite this, the government continues to press forward with the reform, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes and calling for calm and dialogue in the face of escalating violence. The reform aims to reform the electoral system in New Caledonia, but faces challenges in achieving consensus and maintaining stability in the region.
The National Assembly’s vote on the constitutional reform amidst the violence in New Caledonia reflects a delicate balance between democratic processes and civil unrest. The government’s determination to proceed with the reform despite opposition highlights the challenges of political decision-making in the face of societal divisions and instability. The proposed expansion of the electoral body in New Caledonia has intensified the conflict between different factions, leading to violent clashes and calls for dialogue and reconciliation. President Macron’s efforts to restart talks and avoid immediate constitutional changes demonstrate a commitment to resolving the crisis through peaceful means. The outcome of these deliberations will have significant implications for the future political landscape of New Caledonia and the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.
