Philippe Dunoyer, a non-independentist right-wing member of the Renaissance party in New Caledonia, was elected to the National Assembly on May 14, 2024. Along with Nicolas Metzdorf, another figure from the loyalist camp, they are seen as key players in the ongoing crisis in the territory. Their roles in the parliamentary process that led to the crisis in New Caledonia included Dunoyer being the rapporteur for the organic law project that postponed provincial elections until December 15, 2024, and Metzdorf working on the constitutional law project to expand the electoral body. Their appointments to these crucial roles were later considered a mistake within the presidential camp, as they fueled criticisms of the government’s impartiality in the Calédonien issue.
Both Dunoyer and Metzdorf expressed their concerns and deep disagreements on how to resolve the crisis during a video conference with their Renaissance party colleagues on May 21. They painted a bleak picture of the situation, warning of a “very dangerous area for public order.” This contrasts with President Macron’s more optimistic view, who had noted progress in restoring order despite six deaths, including two gendarmes, and an estimated 1 billion euros in damages. The fractures within the non-independentist camp are becoming more apparent, as the two deputies show increasing divergence on the issue of the territory’s institutional future.
During the meeting, Dunoyer advocated for postponing the convening of the Congress to endorse the electoral body reform, a position supported by many members of the presidential camp, including National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet. She reiterated her support for delaying the Congress until “the end of June” in line with Macron’s wishes, but conditioned this on a return to order and formal negotiations between independentists and loyalists under state guidance. The situation in New Caledonia remains complex, with question marks over how to move forward amidst ongoing unrest and political divisions.
The ongoing crisis in New Caledonia has raised questions about the government’s handling of the situation and its impartiality in the eyes of both independentists and loyalists. The roles played by Dunoyer and Metzdorf in the parliamentary process leading up to the crisis have come under scrutiny, with some viewing their appointments as contributing to the current challenges facing the territory. The division within the non-independentist camp is clear, as different factions propose varying solutions to the crisis, further complicating the path towards resolution.
The fractures within the loyalist camp are becoming more pronounced as the crisis in New Caledonia continues to unfold. The differing views on how to address the situation highlight the challenges facing the territory and the need for a unified approach to move forward. The calls for postponing the Congress and engaging in formal negotiations underscore the complexity of the issue and the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The impact of the crisis on public order and the economy underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes and finding a way to restore stability and peace in New Caledonia.
In the midst of the crisis, the role of key political figures like Dunoyer and Metzdorf takes on added significance as they navigate the complex political landscape in New Caledonia. Their positions within the non-independentist camp reflect wider divisions within the territory and the challenges facing those seeking to resolve the crisis. The need for dialogue, negotiation, and a shared vision for the future of New Caledonia is crucial in finding a way out of the current impasse and building a more stable and prosperous future for all residents of the territory.
