France to lift state of emergency in New Caledonia
(Baonghean.vn) - The unrest took place as the French legislature in Paris debated amending the French constitution to change the electoral roll in New Caledonia.
The state of emergency in New Caledonia, where riots have been taking place in recent days, will be lifted at 8pm Paris time on May 27, or 5am on May 28 in this French overseas territory. The French president said this was a move to create conditions for political dialogue.
In a statement on May 26 (local time), the Elysee Palace said: "The President has decided to temporarily not extend the state of emergency" beyond the legal deadline of 12 days to facilitate meetings with the pro-independence FLNKS party.
The announcement added that 480 gendarmes have been sent to reinforce the French Pacific territory.
Why is there an emergency?
New Caledonia, located about 17,000 km from France, has been a colony of Paris since 1853.
However, many indigenous Kanak people still resent French control over their islands and want more autonomy or full independence.
Paris is planning to give voting rights to thousands of residents who are not natives but have long lived in the territory.
But the Kanaks strongly oppose the move, saying it will dilute the influence of their votes.
After the proposal sparked unrest on the island, Paris imposed a state of emergency on May 15.
The emergency measures have strengthened police powers and given authorities more powers to respond to violence, including the ability to place people deemed a threat to public order under house arrest. It also gives expanded powers to conduct searches, seize weapons and restrict movement, with possible jail terms for those who break the law.
The French government also mobilized hundreds of police and soldiers to restore order on the archipelago.
However, police are still struggling to control some districts of the capital Noumea.
Authorities said the city's international airport will remain closed to commercial flights until at least June 2.
What did President Macron say?
French President Emmanuel Macron flew to the Pacific archipelago on May 23 in an urgent effort to defuse the crisis.
He pledged during the trip that electoral reform plans “will not be forced through”.
“Violence must never be allowed to take root,” Mr Macron told journalists at the end of his visit, adding that all barriers should be removed “immediately”.
FLNKS reiterated its demand on May 25 to revoke the electoral reforms after meeting with Mr Macron.
The French president said he was ready to hold a referendum on the controversial changes.
