The President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, and the President of the Senate, Gérard Larcher, will lead a unique mission together in New Caledonia from Monday 11th to Wednesday 13th November. Braun-Pivet and Larcher believe that the situation in New Caledonia requires the mobilization of all institutions in the country. Following months of peaceful mobilization by the independence movement, violent riots broke out in Grand Nouméa on May 13th. Subsequently, the National Assembly adopted a constitutional bill amending the electoral system in New Caledonia, a move pushed by Emmanuel Macron and the loyalists but rejected by the independence movement. As a result of the unrest, the French state is set to allocate 1.4 billion euros in exceptional funding for 2024-2025.
Prime Minister Michel Barnier may visit the territory in early 2025, with a technical team at Matignon overseeing the reconstruction efforts in coordination with the Minister of Overseas France, François-Noël Buffet. The government aims to resume political discussions, with a potential meeting between independence advocates and loyalists at the Elysée Palace later in the year. The Presidents of the National Assembly and the Senate have been advocating for a dialogue mission since May, and believe that the crisis in New Caledonia has multiple underlying causes. They call for a new approach to facilitate dialogue among the people of New Caledonia regarding self-determination and the future of the territory. They argue that linking economic recovery to a unique political solution of “shared sovereignty” with France is necessary to improve the situation in New Caledonia.
Gérard Larcher emphasizes that the aftermath of the violence on May 13th represents a tragedy in New Caledonia. He believes that tragedies can bring people together and create an opportunity for dialogue. The people of New Caledonia are eager to resume conversations, although it will not be a simple process. The mission is not just another routine visit, but rather an opportunity to demonstrate that New Caledonia has a future that can be shared by all. Despite the challenges, Larcher and Braun-Pivet are committed to providing assistance with humility during their six-day mission, even amidst the ongoing budget discussions in France. They emphasize the potential for New Caledonia to create a shared future.
In the midst of a volatile political situation in New Caledonia, the French government is taking steps to address the crisis and promote reconciliation. Through a combination of economic support and political dialogue, the government aims to bring together different factions in the territory to work towards a sustainable solution. The mission led by the Presidents of the National Assembly and the Senate is seen as a crucial step towards fostering dialogue and finding a way forward for New Caledonia. By encouraging a “new method” of engagement and proposing a concept of “shared sovereignty,” the leaders hope to offer a path to stability and progress for the region. This mission represents a significant effort by the French government to address the complex challenges facing New Caledonia and to support its residents in shaping their future.
