Challenges Ahead for New Caledonia Agreement Implementation
Manuel Valls highlights significant challenges in implementing the New Caledonia agreement following its signing by conflicting parties.
Key Points
- • Manuel Valls discusses the challenges following the New Caledonia agreement.
- • The agreement needs further validation through consultations and a referendum in February 2026.
- • Violence and economic hardship in New Caledonia pose risks to stability.
- • Police protection is provided to officials involved due to threats they face.
Manuel Valls, the French Minister of Overseas Territories, underscored the significant hurdles looming over the recent New Caledonia agreement during an interview on France Inter on July 15, 2025. The agreement, which emerged from ten days of negotiations between pro-independence and non-independence factions, represents a critical step towards stability but also poses substantial challenges for implementation.
Valls pointed out that the upcoming phase involves rigorous internal consultations and a public referendum set for February 2026 to ratify the agreement. He stressed that convincing the Caledonian public of the deal’s merits would be crucial, stating, "Without an agreement, there was no economic recovery or civil peace."
The risks of violence and civil unrest remain prominent, as illustrated by ongoing threats to elected officials involved in the agreement. Enhanced police protection has been arranged, especially for Sonia Backès, president of the southern province, who has reportedly received death threats. Valls acknowledged the pervasive issues of violence and economic hardship in New Caledonia, stating, "Everything starts now," expressing cautious optimism for a more stable future through this agreement.