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photo: AFP/Delphine Meyer
The people of New Caledonia are disappointed that last month’s unrest is now being Parliamentary elections and Olympic Games.
New Caledonia’s High Commissioner Louis Lefranc said the European elections would take place on Sunday, although some local municipalities said they were experiencing difficulties.
He said more security personnel would be deployed for the elections. First report.
Coralie Cochin, a local journalist, said French media had stopped reporting on the region.
“They were doing this maybe three weeks ago, but now (the people of New Caledonia) feel abandoned because no one is talking about what’s happening here anymore,” Cochin said.
She said this was because of the upcoming EU elections and the Paris Olympics, but also because “the French government is trying to cover up the problem”.
“They really want to present a very positive image of (Emmanuel Macron) acting in New Caledonia.”
Kochim said the riots that broke out on May 13 have left people angry, frustrated and exhausted.
“They told us they felt abandoned by the French government, and that Paris did send a lot of police to the scene, but that they were unable to restore safety outside after nearly four weeks of unrest.”
Kochin said she counted nearly 10 houses that were destroyed, but many more were damaged, though authorities did not release exact figures.
She said people whose homes were destroyed or damaged were moving in with friends and family.
Kochi said they blamed the government and goons for the incident.
“Some of them told me they were very disappointed with the authorities because they were supposed to be helping and making people feel safe, but instead they had to flee their homes and no one helped them find a new home.”
Kochin said people are worried about losing their homes in the future, but the biggest worry is losing their jobs.
“I would say over 6,000 people have lost their jobs.”
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