The French President visited New Caledonia on Thursday, viewing areas devastated by deadly riots triggered by a contested electoral reform in the French-ruled Pacific island
Police reinforcements in New Caledonia will stay as long as needed, President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday after viewing areas devastated by deadly riots triggered by a contested electoral reform in the French-ruled Pacific island.that have left a trail of looted shops, torched cars and businesses since they began more than a week ago.
Macron earlier flew by helicopter over areas wrecked by arson, as bulldozers worked to clear away rubble. Mayors from these worst-hit suburbs joined Macron’s meeting at France’s High Commission, along with pro-French and pro-independence leaders.Describing the riots as “an unprecedented insurrection whose degree of violence no one would have anticipated”, Macron said additional security totalling 3,000 personnel would remain, even during this summer’s Paris Olympics if required.
Leaders of the indigenous Kanaks who form the largest community – 40 per cent – want the reform rescinded over fears it will dilute the Kanak vote and make it harder for any future referendum on independence to pass. ‘FUNNY COUNTRY’ In comments made to a group of youths, Macron gave no sign of wanting to backtrack on the reform, which lawmakers in Paris adopted last week but is yet to be ratified by a special congress of both houses of parliament.
Before the meeting, the pro-independence Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste bloc issued a statement saying it expected Macron to make a strong announcement that could “breathe new life” into dialogue.
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