Independent flag removed from driver’s licenses following Administrative Court decision

For more than a year, Caledonians have received Department of Infrastructure, Topography and Land Transport The Carnac flag is posted next to the French flag. However, starting Thursday, The DITTT can no longer issue driver’s licenses as is and it must remove the independence flag. This was the ruling made by the Noumea Admissions Court on Thursday 18 July.

In fact,Noumea Administrative Court Reasons given to elected officials First generation CNCThe latter filed an appeal six months ago, challenging the government’s decision to affix the two emblems on driver’s licenses.

“The court recognized that the Kanak flag is not the country’s official flag because it was not adopted pursuant to the legal process of the Noumea Accord.”, commented Nina Julié, spokesperson for the Générations NC.The discussion around this symbol of our identity, which we value very much, is a real topic. We have defended the Caledonian flag since the creation of the Générations NC and we ask separatists to raise this topic when discussing the future of the institution.“

Gilbert Tyuienon, the government member in charge of transport, said he intended to appeal the verdict. He argued that the two flags, raised by Prime Minister Francois Fillon in 2010 and displayed on official buildings for 14 years, formalized them. He described the appeal to loyal elected officials as “childish“wait”bacteria free”, according to our information.

Political wrangling aside, Caledonians should now get permits to fly with the French flag in the coming days. However, the court gave the government six months to comply with the rules, without imposing a fine. In the meantime, permits to fly with the dual flag remain valid.

Report by Charlotte Meister and René Morel