In a speech on Sunday, May 19, loyalist New Caledonian deputy Nicolas Metzdorf called for the territory to be placed under tutelage. He expressed his frustration over the dire situation in Nouméa, where businesses have been destroyed and violence has erupted. Metzdorf criticized the French government for not anticipating the extent of the violence that occurred on May 13, and pointed to a failure in French intelligence. He also highlighted the influence of foreign powers in fueling separatism in the region.
During a live exchange on the MacronardsFM social media platform, Metzdorf criticized the looters and rioters in Nouméa, labeling their actions as racist. He urged President Macron not to back down on his constitutional reform regarding the electoral body. Metzdorf warned that if the President were to retract the bill from Congress, it would be a political and moral defeat for the French Republic. He emphasized that the separatists would never be satisfied and suggested that the territory should be placed under tutelage, possibly becoming a department for a period of two to three years.
Metzdorf also addressed Marine Le Pen’s request for a referendum on self-determination for the Kanak people in New Caledonia. He found it surprising that Le Pen, who was seen as a protector by many in the region, would support such a referendum. Metzdorf received numerous messages from constituents who felt abandoned by France and drew parallels to the plight of the pieds-noirs in Algeria. The situation in Nouméa, according to Metzdorf, has reached a critical point where urgent action is needed to restore order and stability to the territory.
The loyalist deputy’s plea for tutelage of the territory reflects the growing desperation and sense of abandonment felt by many in New Caledonia. Metzdorf’s criticism of the French government’s handling of the escalating violence and separatism in the region underscores the need for a more proactive and strategic approach to addressing the underlying issues. The call for tutelage and potential departmental status for New Caledonia signals a desire for stronger governance and assistance from the French state to restore peace and stability to the troubled territory.
In the midst of the chaos and destruction in Nouméa, Metzdorf’s words serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention and support to prevent further violence and instability. The loyalty of the deputy to the French Republic is clear, but the challenges faced by New Caledonia require a comprehensive and effective response to address the root causes of the crisis. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the call for tutelage may become more urgent and necessary to restore order and ensure the safety and well-being of the people of New Caledonia.
