The State and the various political components of New Caledonia, gathered for ten days near Paris in an attempt to trace the institutional future of the territory, have concluded an agreement “Historical”Saturday July 12 in the morning, several participants announced. The details of the agreement, obtained at the end of a final night of negotiations in Bougival (Yvelines), where the Neo-Caledonian representatives had gathered since July 2, are not yet known. It must still be ratified in New Caledonia by the movements represented. Manuel Valls, Minister of Overseas, praised “The choice of courage and responsibility”.
“A historical agreement has been signed”congratulate themselves on the non-independence of the loyalists and the rally, in a press release. They assure that it will allow “The reopening of the electoral body to many Caledonians”. They welcome, moreover, that “This choice respects the sovereign will expressed by the Caledonians” during the three independence referendums of 2018, 2020 and 2021 and evoke « concessions »with “The transformation of the New Caledonia community into a state integrated into the national whole”.
A state of New Caledonia
“It is signed. A status in France. With Caledonians who remain French. No more referendum in sight except that which will be organized to validate this agreement. An opening of the electoral body ”declares the non-independentist deputy Nicolas Metzdorf, in a reaction transmitted to the agency France-Presse (AFP). “We were predicted a referendum on the partner state in fifteen years. We have made strong concessions to avoid it and to permanently project New Caledonia in the future and without any deadline ”he continues.
“The time is now for explanations and economic recovery”adds the deputy, while New Caledonia was ravaged by the riots of May 2024, which left 14 dead and more than 2 billion euros in damage.
“This agreement allows hope to be reborn”meanwhile, congratulated Philippe Gomes, leader of the party Caledonia together, with AFP. The Parliament must, according to him, meet in Congress in Versailles in the last quarter to « constitutionnaliser » The agreement, before a local referendum. The provincial elections scheduled at the latest at the end of November in the archipelago are postponed.
According to AFP information, the agreement recognizes a “New Caledonia State” inscribed in the French Constitution. A Caledonian nationality will be created, and this State may be recognized by the international community.