Elected pro-independence MPs call for resumption of discussion

“We cannot rebuild the country until we have this discussion,” Robert Shaw assured at a press conference.

Emmanuel Tjibaou, the first independent to serve in the National Assembly in thirty-eight years, asked the state to take a “clear position” on the cancellation of the constitutional project to unfreeze the electorate for provincial elections, suspended in June by Emmanuel Macron.

The reform, which separatists accused of marginalizing the indigenous Kanak population, sparked a massive rebellion in the region on May 13.

“In order to regain control, we must reassure the separatists of their confidence,” the representative added, insisting that “education” was needed.

The local government estimates that the crisis caused losses of at least 2.2 billion euros.

“If we don’t address the problem of the economic crisis, we risk ending up in a humanitarian crisis and politics will no longer have a place,” Mr. Tjibau recalled.

The two elected officials also suggested sending a parliamentary delegation to the location to provide “an opportunity for our fellow citizens to exchange views,” the congressman explained.

Béatrice Bellay, a member of the Martinique parliament, assured that “there can be no truce in the situation of social suffering that affects Carnac today”, while Emmanuel Macron called on Monday for a “political truce” during the Olympic Games.

Ten people have been killed since the unrest began in mid-May, and New Caledonia has deployed 3,500 police and gendarmerie reinforcements, with the country still under curfew.