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.
Iranian President Pezeshkian has confirmed the killing of intelligence minister Esmail Khatib calling it a "cowardly assassination", foll...
Festive events across Azerbaijan are bringing the spirit of Novruz to life, with the Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve hosting its ann...
One person has died after a cable car cabin at the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland plunged down a snow...
Pakistani authorities have denied claims by the Afghan government that a hospital was targeted, insisting that its airstrikes were aimed solely at ...
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Wednesday that it has identified five new cases of meningococcal disease in Kent, bringing the total ...
Festive events across Azerbaijan are bringing the spirit of Novruz to life, with the Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve hosting its annual “Spring Fortress” celebration. Visitors are immersed in a historic setting, surrounded by colourful decorations and live performances.
One person has died after a cable car cabin at the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland plunged down a snow-covered mountainside on Wednesday (18 March) amid strong winds.
Georgia is in national mourning following the death of Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, who has died at the age of 93. His passing marks the end of a nearly 50-year era during which he became one of the most influential spiritual and public figures in the country’s modern history.
South Korean pop sensation BTS, one of the world’s biggest music acts known for their record-breaking albums, global tours and devoted fanbase ARMY, will return to the spotlight in a new documentary, BTS: THE RETURN, premiering globally on Netflix on 27 March.
Morocco has been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and Senegal stripped of their title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
One person has died after a cable car cabin at the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland plunged down a snow-covered mountainside on Wednesday (18 March) amid strong winds.
President Donald Trump said NATO is making a “very foolish mistake” by refusing to help the U.S. as Israel Katz claimed Ali Larijani was killed in Israeli strikes.
Iranian President Pezeshkian has confirmed the killing of intelligence minister Esmail Khatib calling it a "cowardly assassination", following reports that Israel carried out an overnight strike.
The real power of the Strait of Hormuz lies not in closing it, but in the threat of closure.
One person has died after a cable car cabin at the Titlis ski resort in central Switzerland plunged down a snow-covered mountainside on Wednesday (18 March) amid strong winds.
A Chinese man, Zhang Kequn and his Kenyan associate, Charles Mwangi, have been charged by a court in Kenya for alleged involvement in illegal dealings of wildlife species.
Six people died on Wednesday, following fresh Israeli offensive against suspected Hezbollah infrastructure in Central Beirut on Wednesday.
Employees of Voice of America (VOA) who had spent nearly a year on paid administrative leave may soon return to work after U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled that efforts to scale down the broadcaster were unlawful.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 18th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment