Macron's South Pacific Tour: Asserting France's Ownership of New Caledonia
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France's authority over New Caledonia, urging the pro-independence movement to engage in talks. Macron emphasized that New Caledonia remains French by choice, as demonstrated by three referendums rejecting independence. He warned against the risks of separatism and highlighted the potential threat of China's growing influence in the region if independence were pursued. Macron proposed two paths forward: one focused on remembrance and reconciliation, and the other on establishing effective institutions and economic revival. He called for a constitutional revision and quick agreement among political leaders to unfreeze the region's electoral body.