France: more independence for New Caledonia
The French overseas territory of New Caledonia is to be given more state sovereignty but remain French under a deal reached by negotiators from Paris and the political parties of the archipelago in the South Pacific. In May 2024, the territory was rocked by deadly riots triggered by a planned electoral reform that favoured citizens from mainland France. The compromise solution elicits both praise and scepticism in Europe's press.
Embarking on a perilous path
New Caledonia is on the right track, albeit a bumpy one, Ouest-France surmises:
“Thanks to the sense of responsibility shown by those involved in this dialogue, New Caledonia has returned to the path of democracy. It's been a long journey. ... The agreement has the merit of proposing a new framework: a Caledonian state within the French state. This unprecedented status opens up the possibility of a fairer future for all inhabitants of New Caledonia. But the troubled past cannot simply be erased with signatures on an agreement, however 'historic' it may be. Free to reinvent itself but weighed down by the trials it has endured, New Caledonia is now embarking on a perilous path. But at least the path exists.”
Paris rewarding the insurgents' violence
This deal will tear France apart, complains Belgian far-right politician Alain Destexhe, who also worked as a doctor in New Caledonia, in Le Figaro:
“What was presented yesterday as a red line is now being celebrated as a 'historic compromise'. ... As with the riots in the French suburbs, the government is not seeking to solve problems, but to contain them. It's content to put the lid back on the pot. This agreement does not bring peace, but only a reprieve. ... And this precedent will be closely watched: in Polynesia, the West Indies, Mayotte, Corsica and even Brittany. The state has opened up a crack in the very principle of republican unity. ... The separatists have won. Not at the ballot box, but through violence.”
Experiment with an uncertain outcome
The Tages-Anzeiger is amazed:
“New Caledonia is to become a state within the Republic, with almost all the trimmings - its own name, flag, anthem - if that's what the islanders want. They would then be dual citizens: New Caledonian and French, South Pacific and European, all together. ... So to a certain extent New Caledonia can become independent while remaining dependent. We'll see whether the deal is accepted by the base of both camps - this is not a given. The compromise now reached goes too far for the loyalists and not far enough for those in favour of independence. But perhaps this is the gentle beginning of another wave of decolonisation.”
New-found freedom could soon be deemed too little
Diena wonders whether the new state will one day break away from France completely:
“There are numerous similarities with the development of many European colonies into relatively independent states in the 1960s. Another question, however, is the long-term viability of such a solution. At present, such an agreement is of course a significant success for the advocates of New Caledonian independence. But it is unclear what will happen once it becomes apparent that genuine independence and the ability to make important decisions for themselves have not increased significantly. In all likelihood New Caledonia will then try to follow the example of the former French colonies in Africa.”
Are the Corsicans next?
Radio Kommersant FM sees far-reaching consequences:
“For France, this is a political earthquake. Until now, no territory within its borders had been granted its own statehood, let alone UN membership or its own nationality. All citizens were French. ... This system is now collapsing. ... What's more, this won't necessarily be confined to distant islands: Corsica is right next door. ... What's stopping the Corsicans from pointing out that their island was conquered by the French in the second half of the 18th century? Why shouldn't they demand the same rights that have just been granted to the Kanaks [the indigenous people of New Caledonia]? In short, there could be quite a few potential hot spots, especially if France's geopolitical opponents decided to stir up more trouble.”
Berlin should take inspiration
This is an exemplary move by Paris, comments the Frankfurter Rundschau:
“In Germany you could say: it's France, it's far away, it was a long time ago ... But Germany has its own colonial legacy: Namibia first of all, Tanzania, Togo, Cameroon - all once imperial colonies. Fairness would dictate that we treat these countries with particular generosity, respect and supportiveness. Not in a pompous, dismissive and ignorant manner, as has so often been the case in post-war history. And, as in France, a more intensive German Africa policy would also be of strategic value - and new partnerships on an equal footing would promote democracy. Both here and there.”