Macron’s ultimatum
His plan: To push both sides into brokering an agreement to stop the protests.
In a letter sent last week to Caledonian representatives, both for and against independence, the French president called the electoral body reform a “democratic principle.” Macron added that it was now “his responsibility” to call an ad-hoc session but opened the door to scrapping the planned legislation in favor of a broader constitutional reform if local political forces managed to find an agreement.
As Macron heads over, the strategy hasn’t changed: a presidential adviser said Macron would adopt a “listening posture,” but remained intent on calling lawmakers to a vote before July unless he perceives the possibility of an imminent agreement. There’s a tricky balance here for Macron because postponing the vote could be seen as him caving to violence.
Attempts at mediation have thus far been unsuccessful: a three-way video meeting between Caledonian lawmakers on both sides of the independence debate and Macron was cancelled last week, with the French presidency saying that the local officials were unwilling to speak to each other.
In a statement, the pro-independence Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front said the “only answer to this crisis is a political one” and called on the French state to set up “a final stage in the independence process.” Nicolas Metzdorf, a fiercely anti-independence parliamentarian who sits in the pro-Macron Renaissance group in the National Assembly, said he would remain “vigilant to ensure that the democratic values we uphold are defended” during talks held during Macron’s visit.
Three referendums on New Caledonia’s independence were held between 2018 and 2021. Voters opted to stay in France during the first two votes, but the third one was marred by low turnout as separatists called on their supporters to boycott the vote due to the state’s refusal to postpone it amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sarah Paillou contributed to this report.
Sophie Anderson, a UK-based writer, is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
