Nouvelle-Calédonie : Emmanuel Macron - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Emmanuel Macron is the current President of France, and as such, he is also the head of state of New Caledonia, a French overseas territory located in the Pacific Ocean.
- 2. New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France, meaning that it has a certain degree of autonomy in its governance, but ultimately falls under French sovereignty.
- 3. The relationship between New Caledonia and France is governed by the Nouméa Accord, a political agreement signed in 1998 that outlines a process of gradual decolonization for the territory.
- 4. One of the key provisions of the Nouméa Accord is the holding of a series of referendums on the political status of New Caledonia, with the first one taking place in 2018.
- 5. Emmanuel Macron has been closely involved in the process of decolonization in New Caledonia, and has expressed his support for the self-determination of the territory's people.
- 6. Macron visited New Caledonia in 2018 ahead of the referendum on independence, where he called on the people to vote according to their conscience and expressed his commitment to the peaceful resolution of any disputes that may arise.
- 7. The people of New Caledonia voted against independence in the 2018 referendum, with around 56% choosing to remain part of France. Another referendum was held in 2020, with a similar result.
- 8. Macron has stated that he respects the outcome of the referendums and will continue to support New Caledonia's development within the framework of the Nouméa Accord.
- 9. New Caledonia is rich in natural resources, including nickel, which is a key export for the territory. Macron has expressed his support for sustainable development in New Caledonia and the protection of its environment.
- 10. Macron's administration has also worked to strengthen ties between France and New Caledonia, including through increased investment in infrastructure and social programs in the territory.