2023-11-25 14:47:43
He did not manage to bring the separatists of the Caledonian Union (UC) back to the discussion table. From Nouméa, Saturday November 25, the Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories, Gérald Darmanin, said “a little hot” by the result of the meetings he held with them.
During an interview with radio RRB and the television channels of the archipelago La 1re and Calédonia, Mr. Darmanin however specified that he could return on December 4 and 5 to Nouméa, “provided that three-way meetings are held”including the State, independentists and non-independentists (loyalists).
Fifth trip in a year
For the fifth time in a year, Mr. Darmanin traveled to New Caledonia, Friday and Saturday, to discuss the future status of the territory with local parties.
He received at length the Caledonian Union, the main component of the Socialist Kanak Liberation Front (FLNKS), on Friday and again on Saturday, without succeeding in convincing the movement to engage in tripartite discussions.
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“Numerous discussions have been held, this is the fifth time that I have come to New Caledonia to lead these discussions, I was a little upset to see that some of the separatists did not want to enter into the discussion”he commented, while saying he was ready to come back “for the sixth time” with a view to obtaining “a broader agreement”.
Opposition to the possible thaw of the electorate
The UC, which rejects the institutional reform project presented by the State at the beginning of September, confirmed during its congress in mid-November that it refused to discuss the text, while reaffirming its desire to dialogue with the State, in the form of bilateral meetings. The other main component of the FLNKS, the Palika, however, is participating in the discussions.
The minister recalled that, even in the absence of a meeting, the State would maintain its timetable, which provides for a constitutional reform in 2024 concerning New Caledonia.
The possible thaw of the electorate in the provincial elections ((the freezing of which in 2009 had benefited the Kanaks and which could shake up the political balance) is one of the sticking points, the UC being opposed to it. This election is crucial in New Caledonia, where the provinces hold a large part of the powers.
“An opinion has been requested from the Council of State, which will decide on December 8 or 9”, declared the minister, on the legal possibility of modifying this electoral body. And, unless there is a consensus that allows for the continuation of discussions, “a text will be tabled on December 31 to modify the electoral body, so that the elections are held in 2024”he continued.
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