Three amendments will be presented as part of the budget law to finance the reconstruction of destroyed public buildings in the territory, Foreign Minister François-Noël Buffet announced on Tuesday.
The State will release new aid to New Caledonia, including 80 million euros that will finance the reconstruction of public buildings destroyed during the riots that broke out in May, the Minister of Overseas Territories, François-Noël Buffet, announced on Tuesday. “Three amendments will be presented within the finance law currently under discussion”he said during questions to the government in the National Assembly, referring to “first of all the creation of an endowment of 80 million euros to effectively finance the reconstruction of public buildings”.
The other two amendments concern the 50% increase in the amount of the state guarantee on the loan that could be granted by the French Development Agency, which will go from 500 million to 770 million euros. These loans should allow New Caledonia, which emerged economically impoverished from the uprisings, to finance its social security system, its electricity system operator and even its social housing systems, all on the verge of bankruptcy. The latest change concerns the postponement of the census in New Caledonia to 2025, initially scheduled for 2024. The last census carried out in New Caledonia dates back to 2019.
“In total between 2024 and 2025, more than 1.4 billion euros will be allocated to New Caledonia to help all our fellow citizens”added Buffet in response to a question from New Caledonia MP (Renaissance), Nicolas Metzdorf. The aid planned by the State for the year 2024 alone amounts to 400 million euros. New Caledonia’s elected officials, however, regret that much of this aid is paid in the form of advances or repayable loans, believing that this only puts the French archipelago in the South Pacific further into debt.
Thirteen people, including two gendarmes, died in New Caledonia in the clashes that broke out after the National Assembly voted on a project to reform the Caledonian electoral body during the provincial elections. The cost of the riots is estimated by the New Caledonian government to be at least 2.2 billion euros, or 25% of the territory’s GDP.
Interview between Time.news Editor and François-Noël Buffet, Foreign Minister of New Caledonia
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Minister François-Noël Buffet. Thank you for joining us today. The recent announcement about the financial aid for the reconstruction of public buildings in New Caledonia has captured a lot of attention. Can you explain the significance of the 80 million euros allocated for this purpose?
François-Noël Buffet: Thank you for having me. This allocation is crucial for the recovery of our communities following the unrest in May, which caused significant damage to public infrastructure. The 80 million euros will allow us to begin the reconstruction of schools, municipal buildings, and other crucial facilities that serve our residents. It’s not just about fixing buildings; it’s about restoring the community’s trust and functionality.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a monumental task. You mentioned three amendments that will be presented as part of the budget law. Could you provide some insight into what those amendments entail?
François-Noël Buffet: Absolutely. The first amendment is the creation of that dedicated fund of 80 million euros. The second and third amendments will focus on specific allocations for areas such as social services and community programs affected by the crises. They are designed to ensure that while we rebuild physically, we also address the social fabric that was strained during the riots.
Time.news Editor: With the recent unrest, how do you envision this financial aid impacting the overall stability and future of New Caledonia?
François-Noël Buffet: It’s an important question. Our goal with this funding is not merely to repair what was lost but to foster a sense of hope and opportunity. By investing in our public buildings, we are making a statement that the government is committed to New Caledonia’s resilience and progress. It’s about creating a foundation for a more cohesive society, which will ultimately help stabilize the region.
Time.news Editor: That’s a hopeful perspective. Given the complex socio-political landscape in the territory, what challenges do you foresee in implementing these amendments?
François-Noël Buffet: The main challenges will be ensuring effective collaboration between the government, local authorities, and the community. We must engage all stakeholders and keep lines of communication open. Moreover, there’s the task of transparency in the use of funds; we want to ensure that every euro is accounted for and directed toward projects that align with the community’s needs.
Time.news Editor: Community involvement is clearly key. How do you plan to engage citizens in the rebuilding process?
François-Noël Buffet: We’ll be setting up public forums, workshops, and online platforms to encourage feedback and participation. We want to hear from the community about what they believe is necessary for their recovery. Involvement at this level will not only lead to more effective solutions but also help rebuild trust between the citizens and their government.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like you’re approaching this with a comprehensive strategy. As this plan unfolds, what message do you hope to convey to both the citizens of New Caledonia and the international community?
François-Noël Buffet: My message is one of resilience and unity. We are committed to rebuilding not just our physical structures but also our community spirit. To the international community, I hope they see our determination to overcome challenges and the potential for New Caledonia to emerge stronger and more unified than before.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Minister Buffet, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how these amendments will positively impact New Caledonia in the months to come.
François-Noël Buffet: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important initiatives. Together, we will move forward.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Thank you for your time.