France Grants New Caledonia Statehood and Nationality, but Not Independence
France has reached an agreement to grant New Caledonia increased autonomy, yet stopped short of granting the independence sought by many Kanaks. This historic accord, which still needs final approval, proposes a “state of Caledonia” within the French Republic and a “Caledonian nationality” alongside French citizenship. The agreement, reached after negotiations following months of unrest over voting rights, includes a ten-year residency requirement for voting eligibility. While viewed as a step forward, concerns remain regarding full independence and adequate representation for the Indigenous population, with a referendum expected in 2026 to determine the final outcome.
John Q. Hosedrinker