Deal struck to create new state of New Caledonia
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New Caledonia’s political leaders sign historic agreement to shape territory’s future
New Caledonia’s political leaders have signed what is being described as a ‘historic’ agreement near Paris. The deal establishes an “État de Nouvelle-Calédonie’ (State of New Caledonian) to be enshrined in the French Constitution. The agreement still requires local ratification but represents a significant step forward after years of tension, including deadly riots in 2024.
New Caledonia’s political leaders have signed what is being described as a “historic” agreement near Paris, outlining a new institutional future for the territory. The deal, reached after ten days of negotiations, establishes an “État de Nouvelle-Calédonie” (State of New Caledonia) to be enshrined in the French Constitution, and introduces Caledonian nationality alongside French citizenship.
The agreement still requires local ratification but represents a significant step forward after years of tension, including deadly riots in 2024 over electoral reforms.
Under the new terms, the local electoral roll will be opened to residents who have lived in New Caledonia for at least ten years, starting with the 2031 provincial elections — a key demand following previous restrictions that sparked unrest.
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Both pro- and anti-independence groups have welcomed the accord as a turning point. Loyalist parties have praised it for ushering in “a new era of stability” and respecting the results of three previous independence referendums, while pro-independence leaders highlight the recognition of Caledonian nationality and the promise of increased economic support, particularly for the vital nickel industry.
The French Parliament is expected to convene in Versailles later this year to constitutionalise the agreement, with a local referendum planned for February 2026 and crucial provincial elections scheduled for mid-2026.
(With newswires)
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Deal struck to create new state of New Caledonia
Residents of the Pacific archipelago have long been divided over its future. French descendants want Paris to maintain power, while the indigenous Kanak people seek self-determination. In May last year, unrest broke out after the French parliament proposed a change to the electoral role that would weaken the political power of the pro-independence movement.
In May last year, unrest broke out after the French parliament proposed a change to the electoral role that would weaken the political power of the pro-independence movement.
Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes reported that the deal — the text of which had not been released at the time of publication — allowed for the creation of a New Caledonian nationality, which would mean islanders could become dual nationals, and for the transfer to New Caledonia of the competence for international relations.
The deal now faces a referendum in New Caledonia and a vote in the French parliament.
In a statement, French loyalist groups noted the deal involved “concessions from all parties.” They said it would create “a New Caledonian nationality inseparable from French nationality.”
The deal also includes commitments from France to assist in economic development, notably in the country’s strategically important nickel sector, the loyalists noted.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said on X that the deal would give New Caledonia “expanded powers, an unfrozen electorate, and possible international recognition.”
Sonia Backes, the leader of the majority loyalist South Province of New Caledonia, said: “This New Caledonian nationality takes nothing away from us: neither from our belonging to the Republic nor from our French nationality.”
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New Caledonia secures landmark autonomy deal within France
The deal was struck between pro-independence Kanak representatives and French loyalist groups. It outlines the creation of a new “state of New Caledonia” within the French constitutional framework. The agreement comes after violent protests erupted in May 2024, triggered by proposed reforms to the electoral roll that indigenous Kanak leaders feared would dilute their political representation. If approved, it could mark a new era for the archipelago — one shaped by compromise, coexistence, and a carefully negotiated path toward greater self-governance.
Rival political factions from New Caledonia reached a landmark agreement on July 12 to establish a new political arrangement granting the French territory greater autonomy without full independence, marking a breakthrough after months of unrest and stalled negotiations.
Concluded after high-level talks in Bougival, near Paris, the deal was struck between pro-independence Kanak representatives and French loyalist groups. It outlines the creation of a new “state of New Caledonia” within the French constitutional framework — an unprecedented political construct that aims to balance national unity with regional self-determination, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou hailed the agreement as “an agreement of historic significance,” describing it as a “unique organisation” that will be enshrined in the French constitution. The accord, he said, presents a new model for the future of the Pacific archipelago that has long been split over the question of independence.
Key provisions include the creation of a New Caledonian nationality — a concept that will allow dual citizenship for islanders while maintaining their French nationality — and the transfer of certain powers, including international relations, to the local government.
While the full text of the agreement has yet to be released, reports from Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes indicate that the deal also provides for France’s continued support in economic development, particularly in the vital nickel sector, a cornerstone of New Caledonia’s economy.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said on social media that the agreement includes “expanded powers, an unfrozen electorate, and possible international recognition” for the territory.
Sonia Backes, head of the loyalist-controlled South Province, emphasised that the new arrangement does not diminish the territory’s ties to France. “This New Caledonian nationality takes nothing away from us: neither from our belonging to the Republic nor from our French nationality,” she said.
The agreement comes after violent protests erupted in May 2024, triggered by proposed reforms to the electoral roll that indigenous Kanak leaders feared would dilute their political representation.
The deal now faces two key hurdles: a local referendum in New Caledonia and a formal vote in the French parliament. If approved, it could mark the beginning of a new era for the archipelago — one shaped by compromise, coexistence, and a carefully negotiated path toward greater self-governance.
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