France has entered into an agreement with New Caledonia, granting the South Pacific territory increased autonomy. Though the deal falls short of the full independence desired by the archipelago’s indigenous people, it will allow for the establishment of a “state of Caledonia” that remains part of France, while also creating a Caledonian nationality in addition to French nationality.
The 13-page agreement, which French President Emmanuel Macron described as “historic,” still needs to be approved in New Caledonia and could be put to a vote by New Caledonians in February.
The Pacific archipelago, located east of Australia, has faced political tensions for decades between those who seek independence and those loyal to France. The situation was intensified in May 2024 when mass riots erupted in response to proposed electoral reforms that would have granted voting rights to non-indigenous long-term residents. The Kanaks, the indigenous people of New Caledonia, protested against the proposal, claiming that it would further marginalize indigenous voters.
According to Kanak lawmaker Emmanuel Tjibaou, the new agreement represents a structured and legally regulated path forward, even though it does not explicitly mention independence. Tjibaou also stated that the accord will help bring the island out of a “spiral of violence.”
Lawmaker Nicolas Metzdorf, who supported keeping New Caledonia within the French fold, praised the agreement as a “compromise born of demanding dialogue,” with the Caledonian nationality being a significant concession.
A special congress will be held to finalize the next steps for the territory, which could include greater sovereignty over issues such as international affairs, security, and justice. The agreement may also allow for changes to New Caledonia’s name, flag, and hymn.
Participants in the negotiations also emphasized the need to rehabilitate and diversify New Caledonia’s indebted economy, which currently relies heavily on nickel mining, and to make it less dependent on the French mainland.
France colonized New Caledonia in the 1850s, and it became an overseas territory after World War II. While French citizenship was granted to all Kanaks in 1957, many continue to demand full independence.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/07/13/new-caledonia-to-become-a-state-in-historic-agreement-but-will-remain-french
