2023-09-27 18:32:13
The Secretary of State for Citizenship, Sonia Backès, presented her resignation from the government to President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, September 27, three days after his defeat in the senatorial elections, we learned from a government source, confirming information from the Figaro.
2023 senatorial elections: the setback of the presidential camp
The entourage of Sonia Backès, who was running for senator in New Caledonia under the label of the presidential Renaissance party, refused to make any comments. The government source did not specify whether his resignation had been accepted.
At the head of elected officials “loyalists”
It is customary under the Fifth Republic for members of the government defeated in elections to resign. But under the presidency of Emmanuel Macron, those who were defeated were replaced during broader reshuffles, like Jean-Michel Blanquer.
Originally from New Caledonia, Sonia Backès, who is at the head of elected officials “loyalists” from the archipelago, was the only member of the government candidate in the senatorial elections last weekend.
A surprise defeat
Her surprise defeat – she was given the favorite – occurred in a complicated context of discussions on the institutional future of the archipelago between the executive and the parties concerned. She was soundly beaten by the independentist Robert Xowie.
In mid-September, back in New Caledonia after a week of discussions in Paris, the main independence party, the Caledonian Union, announced the suspension of its meetings with the State, criticizing the government’s project. A cold shower for the executive who had nevertheless displayed his satisfaction at the end of this round of discussions.
Gérald Darmanin in Nouméa in October
The fact of putting separatists and separatists around the same table in Paris “loyalists”and this for the first time since 2019, was perceived by Emmanuel Macron and his government as a sign of hope for a political agreement with a view to a constitutional revision in 2024.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin is due to go to New Caledonia at the end of October.
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