France has reached a historic 13-page agreement with its overseas territory New Caledonia, proposing the creation of a “State of New Caledonia” within the French Republic, to be enshrined in the French Constitution. The agreement proposes a dual nationality system: New Caledonian nationality alongside French nationality.
Key Highlights of Agreement
- The agreement reached after negotiations in Paris and follows two earlier agreements and three referendums.
- Declares “State of New Caledonia” to be enshrined in French Constitution.
- Dual nationality system proposed: Residents will have Caledonian nationality alongside French nationality.
- Economic & Financial Recovery Pact planned:
- Focus on reviving the nickel processing industry, vital to New Caledonia’s economy.
- Final approval required through:
- Vote by French Parliament (expected in Q4 2025).
- Referendum in New Caledonia in 2026.
Sovereignty Provisions
- New Caledonia will gain immediate control over foreign policy.
- Option for future public referendum to transfer additional sovereign powers (defence, currency, justice, security).
- The deal could eventually allow New Caledonia to become a UN member state.
Background & Context
| Aspect | Details |
| Colonization | By France in 1850s. Became overseas territory after WWII. |
| French Citizenship | Granted to Kanaks in 1957. |
| Population | ~270,000 (Kanaks ~40%) |
| Distance from Paris | ~17,000 km |
| Recent Referendums | 2018, 2020, 2021 (All rejected independence). 2021 vote was boycotted by pro-independence Kanak groups. |
| Unrest in May 2024 | Sparked by a proposed voting rights law extending voting rights to long-term non-Indigenous residents, violating the 1998 Nouméa Accord. |
| 2024 Violence Impact | 14 dead, €2 billion damage, 10% GDP loss. |
| New Voting Rule (Under Deal) | Only residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10+ years can vote. |
Significance of the Deal
- Aims to end decades of political deadlock and recurring violence.
- Balances national unity with regional autonomy.
- Seen as an “intelligent compromise” preserving France’s ties while acknowledging Kanak aspirations.
Key Facts
- Capital of New Caledonia – Nouméa
- Currency – CFP Franc
- Major Industry – Nickel mining and processing (among world’s largest reserves)
- Administered by – France (since 1853)
- Ocean- South Pacific Ocean
- Ethnic Tensions – Primarily between Indigenous Kanak population and French settlers
- French President – Emmanuel Macron
- UN Status- Included in UN list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
- New Caledonia’s UN Representation – Possible after full sovereign powers transferred.