France and New Caledonia reached an accord to form a "State of New Caledonia" within the French Republic after lengthy negotiations. This agreement, which requires parliamentary approval and a local referendum, aims to establish a Caledonian nationality and share powers. However, it has received significant backlash within New Caledonia, where many view it as a lack of ambition. Critics emphasize that the plans do not adequately address the concerns of the youth involved in previous uprisings, raising fears of renewed unrest and dissent towards French governance.
The text, which still requires French parliamentary approval and to pass a referendum in the territory, provides for the creation of a Caledonian nationality and the sharing of powers.
Joel Kasarerhou, president of civil society group Construire Autrement, called the agreement "stillborn", describing it as a "poor" replica of previous agreements and "lacking ambition and vision".
Kasarerhou said the youth at the heart of the May 2024 uprising had been "forgotten or barely mentioned".
Many indigenous Kanaks resent France's power over the islands and want more autonomy or independence.
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