Macron suspends controversial reforms after New Caledonia unrest

Violence broke out in New Caledonia on May 13 after Macron’s government attempted to amend the French constitution and change New Caledonia’s electoral roll. The reforms, which would alter voting rights, have been disputed by the Kanak indigenous people, who say they will be further marginalized if they are implemented. Visited After anger over electoral reforms in New Caledonia in May sparked weeks of rioting, arson and looting in the archipelago’s worst violence in decades that left nine people dead, the head of state has made only ambiguous comments about the reforms.

Now, observers say, the French president appears to have made a firmer decision. “During this period, we cannot allow ambiguity. The activity must be suspended to allow for full dialogue on the ground and to restore order,” Macron said. Because the French National Assembly was dissolved ahead of the snap elections Macron called, the decision cannot be confirmed before the June 30 deadline, the day French voters go to the polls in the first round. New Caledonia’s pro-independence movement already considers voting reform unworkable, as the early parliamentary elections were triggered by the defeat of Macron’s far-right allies in Sunday’s European elections.

The indigenous Kanaks make up about 41% of the island’s population, and the changes will give tens of thousands of non-indigenous people the right to vote. Local leaders fear the changes will dilute the Kanak vote and undermine long-standing independence efforts. During the unrest, both sides – the indigenous Kanaks who want independence and those loyal to France – erected barricades. Some people defied authorities, while others defended their homes and property, according to the Associated Press.

Parts of the capital, Noumea, have been turned into a no-go zone, and Noumea International Airport has been closed to commercial flights, while governments have opened flights to bring stranded tourists back to their home countries. On May 15, France declared a state of emergency in the Pacific and sent hundreds of police officers to help police quell the unrest. The French government has extended a nighttime curfew in the archipelago until June 17.