France and New Caledonia Reach “Historic” Agreement on New Statehood Status
Paris, The Gulf Observer: France on Saturday unveiled a landmark agreement with New Caledonia under which the overseas territory will remain part of the French Republic but be redefined as a “State of New Caledonia” with new constitutional standing. The accord comes after a year of political unrest and deadly separatist violence in the Pacific archipelago.
President Emmanuel Macron had convened 10 days of intensive negotiations near Paris in a bid to resolve long-standing tensions between pro-independence forces and those supporting continued French sovereignty. The talks brought together New Caledonian elected officials, political leaders, civil society representatives, and economic stakeholders.
The resulting 13-page agreement confirms that New Caledonia will retain its French status while establishing a new legal identity as a “State of New Caledonia.” According to Nicolas Metzdorf, an anti-independence parliamentarian, “Caledonians will remain French,” but the new framework provides for a New Caledonian nationality that could be held alongside French nationality.
“No more referendums are planned, with the exception of one confirming this agreement,” Metzdorf told AFP, emphasizing the need to now focus on economic reconstruction. The territory, home to approximately 270,000 people, suffered violent riots in May 2024 that left 14 dead and caused economic losses estimated at €2 billion—roughly 10% of its GDP.
Prime Minister François Bayrou hailed the deal as being of “historic dimensions,” underscoring its potential to bring long-term stability and development to the region.
The agreement must still be ratified by both chambers of the French Parliament, with a joint session planned for the fourth quarter of 2025. Final approval will then rest with the people of New Caledonia in a referendum slated for 2026.
Under the new framework, voting rights in New Caledonia will be limited to individuals who have resided there for at least 10 years—an attempt to address concerns by the indigenous Kanak population, who have long feared political marginalization due to an influx of non-indigenous residents. These concerns were a key driver of the May 2024 unrest, triggered by Paris’s earlier proposal to expand the electorate.
The agreement also includes provisions for an economic and financial recovery plan, focusing on reviving the territory’s key nickel industry and investing in long-term development.
Although the territory has been governed from Paris since the 19th century, calls for independence have persisted—especially among the Kanak people. Three independence referendums held between 2018 and 2021 all resulted in a vote to remain part of France, though the 2021 referendum was boycotted by pro-independence groups citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Kanak communities.
Saturday’s agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter in France–New Caledonia relations, offering the possibility of broader international recognition for the new status while reaffirming the territory’s place within the French Republic.
