Historic Political Agreement Establishes 'State of New Caledonia' Within France
A historic political agreement establishes a 'State of New Caledonia' with enhanced autonomy within France.
Key Points
- • Creation of a 'State of New Caledonia' announced by Manuel Valls.
- • Agreement grants dual nationality and more autonomy to the territory.
- • Significant concessions made by both loyalist and independence factions.
- • Agreement set for validation by French Parliament in Autumn 2025.
In a landmark development, Manuel Valls, the French Minister of Overseas Territories, announced the creation of a 'State of New Caledonia' during negotiations that concluded on July 13, 2025. This political agreement, reached after nine days of intense discussions in Bougival, grants the territory enhanced autonomy within the French Republic, alongside recognition of dual nationality for its citizens, allowing them to hold both French and Caledonian citizenship.
The agreement is recognized as a significant step towards addressing New Caledonia's long-standing political challenges. It involves substantial concessions from both loyalist factions and independence supporters, effectively postponing immediate demands for full independence while leaving the door open for future negotiations. The willingness of staunch loyalists to accept the establishment of a Caledonian state, despite its limited powers, marks a notable shift in the region’s political landscape. Meanwhile, the independence supporters agreed not to seek immediate full emancipation from France, showcasing an unprecedented level of compromise between the two camps.
Femu a Corsica, a Corsican political group, has hailed the agreement as 'historic', praising the collaborative effort between Kanak independence forces and non-independence forces. The agreement not only establishes a unique institutional organization for New Caledonia but also integrates it into the French Constitution, indicating potential implications for similar arrangements in other territories, such as Corsica.
As part of the agreement’s formal process, it will require validation from both political factions in New Caledonia and is slated for review by the French Parliament in a Congress session set for Autumn 2025. This upcoming vote is critical, as it will determine the future of governance in the territory and could set a precedent for other regions in France.
The innovative nature of the Bougival agreement, described as politically courageous, reflects a hopeful response to the Pacific archipelago's challenges and the broader ambition of fostering stability through power-sharing agreements. Notably, Valls stated, "This is not just an agreement; it's a step towards nurturing the identity and autonomy of the people of New Caledonia while remaining part of France."
As the discussions around the agreement unfold, both sides must advocate for it effectively to their constituents, indicating that while a historic step has been taken, the journey towards lasting governance and identity in New Caledonia is just beginning.