After ten days of tense talks in Paris, New Caledonia’s pro-independence and loyalist leaders have signed a political blueprint that could reshape their relationship with France.
The deal, signed on 12 July, establishes a state of New Caledonia within the French Republic. It introduces a unique status under France’s constitution and aims for wider international recognition.
A new foundational law, expected in 2026, will let Caledonians redefine their identity, including the territory’s name, flag, anthem and motto. While defence and foreign policy will remain with Paris, New Caledonia will gain more room to act abroad, especially in trade and regional forums, through a new joint dialogue with France.
Security will be shared. Local police forces will operate alongside French armed forces, which will keep protecting the territory.
One of the most debated changes is the electoral reform. Anyone living in New Caledonia for at least 15 years will now be able to vote in local elections. This could bring in over 12,000 new voters and may reduce the political weight of the indigenous Kanak population.
From 2026, dual citizenship will also start. Caledonians will hold both French and Caledonian citizenship and keep their EU rights.
The agreement promises a strong economic plan, including tighter oversight of nickel resources and investments in health, education, and transport. Oversight will be led by a mission under the French Prime Minister.
But the blueprint is not law yet. It must be approved by the Kanak people in a 2026 vote. While leaders present it as a breakthrough, divisions remain strong on the islands.
President Emmanuel Macron played a central role. Facing rising domestic and international pressure, Paris chose dialogue over control.
International support, including from groups like the Baku Initiative Group, helped push New Caledonia’s self-determination case to the global stage.
Crucially, the constitutional changes needed for this plan challenge France’s long-held belief in an unchangeable founding law.
What happens next could influence other regions, such as Corsica, seeking more autonomy within France.
It marks a historic shift. Forged in Paris, but echoing far beyond New Caledonia.
Ukrainian troops and engineers will train their Polish counterparts in a joint group on countering drones, Ukraine's defence minister Denys Shmyhal sa...
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, in Baku on 18 September....
The Ambassador of Afghanistan to Russia, Ghulam Hassan, has met with Zamir Kabulov, Moscow’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, to discuss deepening tie...
FBI chief Kash Patel told the U.S. Senate on Tuesday there was “no credible information” that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked women or underage girls t...
As well as a text message, the suspect accused of assassinating right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah also wrote a physical note message before the...
Ukrainian troops and engineers will train their Polish counterparts in a joint group on countering drones, Ukraine's defence minister Denys Shmyhal said on Thursday, a week after Russian drones flew into Poland.
The Ambassador of Afghanistan to Russia, Ghulam Hassan, has met with Zamir Kabulov, Moscow’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, to discuss deepening ties and regional engagement, the Afghan embassy in Moscow said on Wednesday.
FBI chief Kash Patel told the U.S. Senate on Tuesday there was “no credible information” that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked women or underage girls to anyone but himself, as he defended the bureau’s decision to close its review.
As well as a text message, the suspect accused of assassinating right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah also wrote a physical note message before the shooting that he planned to kill Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel said on Monday.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
At least eight people have died and more than 90 others were injured following a catastrophic gas tanker explosion on a major highway in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
Ukrainian troops and engineers will train their Polish counterparts in a joint group on countering drones, Ukraine's defence minister Denys Shmyhal said on Thursday, a week after Russian drones flew into Poland.
The Ambassador of Afghanistan to Russia, Ghulam Hassan, has met with Zamir Kabulov, Moscow’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, to discuss deepening ties and regional engagement, the Afghan embassy in Moscow said on Wednesday.
FBI chief Kash Patel told the U.S. Senate on Tuesday there was “no credible information” that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked women or underage girls to anyone but himself, as he defended the bureau’s decision to close its review.
As well as a text message, the suspect accused of assassinating right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah also wrote a physical note message before the shooting that he planned to kill Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel said on Monday.
Displaced Palestinians fled Gaza City overnight on Thursday (18 September), moving southwards after Israeli forces ordered residents of the city to evacuate to the south.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment