French President Emmanuel Macron is set to travel to New Caledonia to install a mission in response to the ongoing political situation in the region. The government spokesperson, Prisca Thevenot, announced that Macron will be heading to the archipelago with a sense of responsibility, although the details of the mission and the duration of his stay were not specified.
Thevenot emphasized that a return to order is necessary before any dialogue can take place, particularly regarding the contested electoral reform that must be validated by the end of June. Despite this, the government continues to work on finding a political solution for the territory. The extension of the state of emergency, declared last Wednesday, was not discussed in the Cabinet meeting, as the government believes the situation is gradually calming down but still requires further efforts to fully normalize.
The state of emergency can only be extended for up to twelve days without presenting a text to Parliament. Any further extension would require approval from both the National Assembly and the Senate before May 27. Additionally, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is also expected to visit New Caledonia in the coming weeks, although the direct management of the territory has been decentralized from Matignon since 2020, with calls from former Prime Ministers to return control to the Rue de Varenne.
Macron’s visit to New Caledonia comes at a critical time as the government grapples with political tensions and the need for dialogue and reform. The installation of a mission by the President underscores the importance of finding a peaceful and sustainable solution for the territory. The government, led by Macron, is focused on achieving order and stability before engaging in further discussions or actions regarding the political situation in New Caledonia.
The spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the current challenges and working towards a resolution that benefits all parties involved. The situation in New Caledonia remains complex, with various stakeholders expressing differing views on how to move forward. Macron’s visit and the subsequent actions taken by the government will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the archipelago and fostering greater stability and prosperity for its residents.
As Macron and his team navigate the complexities of the political landscape in New Caledonia, they are mindful of the need to balance order and dialogue in order to achieve lasting peace and progress in the region. The government’s approach to the crisis reflects a commitment to engaging with the various stakeholders and addressing their concerns in a constructive and inclusive manner. Macron’s visit and the subsequent actions taken by the government will be closely monitored both domestically and internationally, as the world watches to see how the situation in New Caledonia unfolds and whether a peaceful resolution can be achieved.
