New Caledonia secures landmark autonomy deal within France

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.

By Vugar Khalilov